An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck the Caribbean Sea, triggering a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Although the advisory was later canceled, caution was advised due to ongoing strong currents. The NOAA indicated potential tsunami waves along Cuban coasts, while the earthquake itself was linked to faulting between tectonic plates without reports of damage in the region.
A notable earthquake registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event occurred approximately 130 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, shortly before 6:30 p.m. local time. As a precaution, authorities issued a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, urging residents to avoid beaches and coastal areas due to potential hazards such as sea-level rise and flooding.
By 8:15 p.m., the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) announced the cancellation of the tsunami advisory for the affected regions. However, they warned that “strong and unusual currents may continue,” advising caution when near water bodies. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) cautioned that tsunami waves could potentially reach elevations between 1 to 3 meters above tide levels along certain coastlines in Cuba.
The government of Cuba has reportedly instructed residents to evacuate beachfront zones. NOAA estimates suggest that actual wave amplitudes along the coast may differ from predictions due to local conditions and uncertainties. Importantly, there was no tsunami alert issued for the U.S. mainland following the earthquake.
According to the USGS, the earthquake was attributed to strike-slip faulting in the shallow crust, situated near the boundary of the North America and Caribbean tectonic plates. They further noted that the rupture might have occurred along a steeply inclined fault striking either west-northwest or west-southwest. Fortunately, no damage has been reported in the aftermath of the event.
In conclusion, a significant earthquake in the Caribbean Sea prompted a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, although this advisory was later lifted. Authorities remain vigilant in monitoring ocean conditions as the potential for residual currents exists. There were no reports of damage or a tsunami threat for the U.S. mainland, affirming the timely response by officials to ensure public safety.
Original Source: cbs12.com
