A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean, prompting tsunami advisories and evacuation alerts. While the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico issued immediate safety measures, many regions lifted alerts once the tsunami threat diminished. Governments coordinated responses to ensure public safety following the seismic event.
On Saturday, the Caribbean region experienced a significant earthquake measuring 7.6 in magnitude, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. Occurring at 6:23 p.m. local time, its epicenter was located approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands, with a depth of 10 kilometers. In response, several islands and territories advised residents along the coastline to evacuate inland, although many regions subsequently lifted the tsunami alerts after initial concerns.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center, while confirming the absence of a tsunami alert for the U.S. mainland, did issue an advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was ultimately rescinded. Hazard Management Cayman Islands cautioned residents near the coast to seek higher ground, foreseeing potential wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter. Following the event, the Cayman Islands government declared an “all clear” through social media channels.
In Puerto Rico, Governor Jenniffer González Colón indicated ongoing communication with emergency response agencies in light of the tsunami advisory, yet she refrained from recommending coastline evacuations. Reports from local media suggested that alarm sirens in Puerto Rico’s northwest region prompted an exodus from coastal areas, resulting in significant traffic congestion.
Additionally, the Dominican government issued a temporary tsunami alert, advising coastal residents to seek elevation above 20 meters and to relocate at least 2 kilometers inland, but the alert was later revoked. Authorities in Honduras reported no immediate damages but urged citizens to avoid beach areas.
The Cuban government also advised individuals in coastal zones to evacuate, as there were warnings from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regarding tsunami waves in Cuba potentially reaching heights of 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels.
In summary, a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean, triggering tsunami advisories and prompts for evacuation along coastal regions. Immediate responses included warnings from various governments, although many alerts were later lifted as no significant tsunami threat materialized. Emergency services and local authorities cooperated to ensure public safety during this seismic event.
Original Source: www.wilx.com
