A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck north of Honduras, prompting a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Hazards from sea level fluctuations and strong currents are expected, beginning around 8:48 p.m. Eastern Time. Residents are advised to evacuate coastal areas and stay informed as the situation develops.
A significant earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck approximately 20 miles north of Honduras at 6:23 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This seismic activity has resulted in a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands due to projected sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents, which pose potential hazards to coastal areas, including beaches, harbors, and inlets.
The National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) has indicated that hazardous changes in sea levels and strong currents might affect Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands starting at 8:48 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday. While there has yet to be confirmation regarding the generation of tsunami waves, monitoring efforts remain in place to assess the evolving tsunami threat during this developing situation.
In light of this event, authorities urge residents in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to evacuate from the water and refrain from visiting beaches, harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets. It is advised to stay away from coastal areas to ensure safety as the situation develops and more information becomes available.
Understanding the context of this earthquake is critical to grasping the potential impact on the affected regions. Earthquakes of such magnitude commonly raise concerns regarding tsunami threats, especially in coastal communities. The USGS and NTWC play essential roles in monitoring seismic activity and providing timely warnings to protect residents in vulnerable areas.
In summary, the 7.6 magnitude earthquake near Honduras has prompted a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Residents are strongly recommended to evacuate coastal areas due to the potential for dangerous sea level fluctuations and currents. Continuous monitoring by relevant authorities remains essential to ensure public safety and mitigate risks associated with this seismic event.
Original Source: www.cnn.com