A 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit the Caribbean Sea, prompting evacuations along coastlines as authorities lifted tsunami alerts. The quake occurred south of the Cayman Islands, leading to precautionary measures in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, though damages were not reported.
On Saturday, the Caribbean region experienced a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake originating from the sea, approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. The earthquake struck at 6:23 p.m. local time and was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers, as per the U.S. Geological Survey. In response, various islands and countries advised residents near coastlines to relocate inland, although many tsunami alerts were later lifted.
Although the U.S. mainland did not receive a tsunami warning, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center did issue a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was subsequently canceled. Hazard Management Cayman Islands highlighted the potential for wave heights between 0.3 and 1 meter, prompting a precautionary evacuation of coastal residents. Later, the Cayman Islands government declared an “all clear” via social media.
Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer González Colón communicated with emergency services in response to the advisory but did not recommend evacuating coastal areas. Nevertheless, the alert led to public fear and significant traffic, as individuals preemptively left coastal regions. Similarly, the Dominican Republic first issued an alert, advising residents to move to heights exceeding 20 meters and 2 kilometers inland before canceling the alarm.
In Honduras, authorities reported no immediate damage but cautioned residents to avoid beaches. Cuba’s government requested those located near beachfronts to evacuate due to potential tsunami waves reaching between 1 to 3 meters above tide levels, as indicated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In conclusion, the recent earthquake has raised significant safety concerns across multiple Caribbean nations, resulting in varied responses to protect public safety. While many tsunami alerts were lifted, advisory measures prompted precautionary evacuations, effectively demonstrating the region’s preparedness for such natural disasters and the importance of timely communication among authorities.
The earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck in the Caribbean, an area known for its seismic activity. Earthquakes of this magnitude can lead to widespread concerns regarding tsunamis, prompting quick responses from local governments. Understanding the earthquake’s depth and location is critical in evaluating potential risks, as evidenced by the precautionary measures implemented by nearby islands and territories.
The earthquake has highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness in the Caribbean. The swift response measures and subsequent lifting of alerts demonstrate effective communication and risk management strategies by various authorities. Despite initial panic, the situation was quickly addressed, showcasing the resilience of Caribbean nations in face of natural disasters.
Original Source: www.wifr.com
