A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the western Caribbean on Saturday, leading to a tsunami advisory for the Cayman Islands. Residents were advised to evacuate coastal areas as the US Geological Survey reported the earthquake occurred at a depth of 6 miles. Previous alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were lifted, as authorities monitored the situation closely, focusing on public safety.
On Saturday evening, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the western Caribbean, leading to a tsunami advisory for the Cayman Islands. The United States Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred at approximately 6:30 PM local time, with its epicenter located about 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, at a depth of around 6 miles. Residents of the Cayman Islands were urged to relocate inland for safety due to the potential tsunami threat.
Historically, the western Caribbean has experienced significant seismic activities due to tectonic plate movements. The region’s vulnerability to earthquakes is characterized by a history of substantial seismic events, including a notable 7.5 magnitude earthquake in January 2018 that resulted in minor damages. Given the geological context, the occurrence of large earthquakes such as this is not unexpected, highlighting the need for preparedness among coastal communities.
In summary, while the immediate tsunami threat was significant enough to prompt evacuations and advisories in the Cayman Islands and Cuba, the situation was closely monitored and ultimately deemed manageable. Authorities emphasized public safety and readiness, reflecting the importance of disaster preparedness in seismically active regions.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
