7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Caribbean, Coastal Evacuations Advised

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea, prompting evacuation advisories in various coastal areas. While tsunami alerts were initially issued, most were later cancelled. Local governments coordinated emergency responses, resulting in minimal damages reported afterward.

On Saturday, a significant seismic event of magnitude 7.6 occurred in the Caribbean Sea, specifically south of the Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake struck at 6:23 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Many islands and nations quickly advised residents along the coast to evacuate inland; however, most tsunami alerts were subsequently rescinded.

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that while there was no tsunami watch for the U.S. mainland, a tsunami advisory was initially issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, later lifted. In response to the quake, local authorities encouraged residents of the Cayman Islands to seek higher ground due to anticipated shallow wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter. Nonetheless, an official “all clear” was later communicated via the Cayman Islands government’s social media.

Governor Jenniffer González Colón of Puerto Rico stated her ongoing coordination with emergency agencies following the tsunami advisory, though she did not advise coastal residents to evacuate. Reports indicated that alarms in Puerto Rico’s northwest region led to minor coastal evacuations, creating heavy traffic as individuals moved away from the beachfront.

The Dominican Republic advised coastal dwellers to ascend to elevations exceeding 20 meters and to retreat two kilometers inland but subsequently rescinded its tsunami alert. Honduran officials reported no immediate damages following the earthquake but cautioned residents against approaching beaches. Additionally, the Cuban government recommended evacuation of coastal areas in light of potential tsunami impact, noting that waves up to 3 meters might pose risks.

The Caribbean region is no stranger to seismic activity due to its location along tectonic plates. Earthquakes can potentially generate tsunamis, especially near coastal communities. Effective communication and timely alerts from governmental agencies are crucial during such natural disasters, frequently influencing public safety measures. Local governments often coordinate emergency responses to ensure the safety of their populations during such seismic events.

In summary, the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck the Caribbean led to urgent advisories for coastal residents to evacuate inland, although most tsunami alerts were eventually cancelled. Authorities from various islands, including the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico, took rapid actions to ensure public safety, amid reports of minor disruptions and heavy traffic during evacuation efforts. Fortunately, immediate damage reports following the earthquake were minimal, with recommendations for vigilance from neighboring regions.

Original Source: www.wsaz.com