Mexico City: A massive 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday evening, shaking several nations and triggering tsunami advisories across the region. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. The quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers beneath the seabed, raising concerns about potential tsunami waves in nearby coastal areas.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that there was no threat to the U.S. mainland but issued tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Authorities in multiple Caribbean nations swiftly responded with precautionary evacuation measures to ensure public safety.
Evacuation Measures Across the Region:
- Cayman Islands: Officials from Hazard Management Cayman Islands advised residents in coastal areas to move inland or seek higher ground, as tsunami waves between 0.3 and 1 meter were anticipated.
- Puerto Rico: Governor Jenniffer González Colón stated that emergency services were closely monitoring the situation, though immediate evacuations were not mandated.
- Dominican Republic: Authorities issued a tsunami alert, advising people in coastal regions to relocate at least 20 meters above sea level and 2 kilometers inland. They also warned ships to avoid entering the sea.
- Cuba: The Cuban government ordered residents near the shoreline to evacuate as a precautionary measure.
- Honduras: Although no major damage was reported, officials urged citizens to stay away from beaches as a safety measure.
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), tsunami waves reaching heights of 1 to 3 meters above the normal tide level could impact certain areas along Cuba’s coastline. Additionally, smaller waves between 0.3 and 1 meter were expected along the shores of Honduras and the Cayman Islands.
“Actual wave heights may differ due to local coastal geography and forecasting uncertainties,” NOAA noted.
Emergency response teams across the Caribbean continue to monitor the situation, assess potential damage, and ensure that necessary precautions are taken to minimize risks. Residents in affected areas remain on high alert as seismic activity in the region is closely observed.
