A powerful magnitude-7.6 earthquake rattled the Caribbean Sea south of the Cayman Islands on Saturday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Several islands and nations initially issued tsunami alerts, urging coastal residents to move inland, though most warnings were later lifted.
The quake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time with a depth of 10 kilometers, the USGS reported. Its epicenter was pinpointed 209 kilometers south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a tsunami alert for the U.S. mainland but briefly placed Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands under a tsunami advisory, which was later rescinded.
Hazard Management Cayman Islands advised residents near the coast to seek higher ground, predicting wave heights of 0.3 to one meter. However, the Cayman Islands government later gave an “all clear” via Facebook.
Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González Colón stated she was in contact with emergency agencies following the tsunami advisory but did not advise coastal evacuations. Alarm sirens in Puerto Rico’s northwest region prompted residents to flee coastal zones, leading to significant traffic congestion, local media reported.
The Dominican government initially issued a tsunami alert, advising residents to relocate at least 20 meters above sea level and two kilometers inland, but later withdrew the warning.
Honduran authorities reported no immediate damage but cautioned residents to avoid beaches. Cuba’s government also urged coastal evacuations as the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned of potential tsunami waves up to three meters above tide levels along some Cuban shores.
Source: Swifteradio.com
