Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Shakes Caribbean, Authorities Issue Tsunami Alerts

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, prompting tsunami alerts in various regions including the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico. Authorities initially urged residents near the coast to evacuate, but most alerts were later canceled. No significant damage has been reported, and safety measures were instituted to protect residents.

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of the Cayman Islands, on Saturday at 6:23 p.m. local time. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake’s epicenter was located 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town, with a depth of 10 kilometers. Although tsunami alerts were initially issued, many were later lifted by authorities across affected regions.

Following the quake, various islands and regions, including the Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, advised residents near the coastline to evacuate to higher ground. The Hazard Management Cayman Islands urged citizens to move inland, anticipating wave heights between 0.3 to 1 meter. However, the Cayman Islands government subsequently declared an “all clear.”

Puerto Rico’s Governor, Jenniffer González Colón, stated she remained in touch with emergency agencies but did not advise evacuating coastal areas. However, the sounding alarms in northwestern Puerto Rico prompted some residents to flee, resulting in considerable traffic congestion. The Dominican Republic similarly issued a tsunami alert, recommending that coastal residents seek shelter at elevations exceeding 20 meters and to move at least 2 kilometers inland, before lifting the alert shortly thereafter.

Honduras reported no immediate damage but recommended that residents avoid beaches. In Cuba, government officials urged individuals to vacate beachfront areas, predicting potential tsunami waves measuring between 1 to 3 meters above tide levels. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center emphasized that there was no tsunami threat to the U.S. mainland, although an advisory had been briefly issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In conclusion, the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean prompted significant precautionary measures from regional authorities, leading to advisories and temporary evacuations. While initial tsunami alerts stirred concerns, many were rescinded, and no damage has been reported. Ongoing communication between governments and emergency services was crucial to ensure public safety following the seismic event.

Original Source: www.wilx.com