A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near the Cayman Islands, prompting tsunami warnings for Cuba and Honduras. The earthquake occurred on February 8, 2025, at a depth of 33 kilometers. Waves of 1 to 3 meters are expected along Cuba’s coast, with monitoring agencies closely following the situation, but no tsunami warnings for the U.S.
A severe earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck near the Cayman Islands late on Saturday, prompting a series of tsunami warnings for several coastal regions. The earthquake occurred at 23:23 UTC on February 8, 2025, with its epicenter situated north of Honduras at coordinates 17.8°N, 82.5°W, and a depth of 33 kilometers (20 miles). In the wake of this seismic event, tsunami waves were detected, particularly impacting Cuba’s coastline where waves of 1 to 3 meters above tide levels are anticipated.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has verified estimated tsunami arrival times for various affected locations: Puerto Cortes, Honduras at 00:22 UTC; Trujillo, Honduras at 01:08 UTC; and several locations in Cuba, including Santa Cruz del Sur and Nueva Gerona around 03:00 and 03:50 UTC, respectively. The public is cautioned that tsunamis are not mere single waves, but series of surges that may vary in height and can pose extended threats for hours after the initial event.
As officials monitor the situation, it has been confirmed that a tsunami warning has not been issued for the United States, though precautions remain in effect. Residents in the affected regions are urged to stay vigilant and adhere to local authority instructions, which may include evacuation measures depending on the anticipated severity of the waves. The U.S. Geological Survey provided verification regarding the earthquake, noting, “Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.6 – 209 km SSW of George Town, Cayman Islands.” The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as further data becomes available.
Seismic activities are common in the Caribbean region, which lies along the boundary of several tectonic plates. Earthquakes of significant magnitude can trigger tsunamis, necessitating immediate public safety measures. Government agencies and monitoring organizations such as the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the U.S. Geological Survey play crucial roles in assessing threats and informing the public about potential dangers following seismic events.
In conclusion, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 struck near the Cayman Islands, resulting in tsunami warnings for the Caribbean coasts. While potentially dangerous waves are projected to impact Cuba and Honduras, the United States was not deemed at risk. Authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation, ensuring the safety of coastal residents through clear communication and proper preparedness measures.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
