A powerful magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands on Saturday, prompting tsunami advisories for several coastal regions.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
Tsunami advisories issued for multiple regions
While the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that there was no tsunami threat to the U.S. mainland, it issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as a precaution.
The Cayman Islands government also issued a tsunami threat alert, urging coastal residents to move inland. Authorities in Honduras reported no immediate damage but advised residents to stay away from beaches for the next few hours.
The International Tsunami Information Center warned that hazardous tsunami waves could reach coastal areas within the next three hours, affecting multiple countries and territories, including:
- Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, Honduras, and the Bahamas
- Haiti, Turks and Caicos, San Andres Providence, Belize, and the Dominican Republic
- Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica
- Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and Saba
- Precautionary Measures and Ongoing Monitoring
Officials across the region continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and follow official safety guidelines. Emergency response teams are on standby, prepared to act if further seismic activity or tsunami threats arise.
As of now, there are no reports of major damage or casualties, but authorities remain cautious, given the earthquake’s strength and potential aftershocks.
Also Read: Santorini earthquakes: How long will the 'seismic crisis' last?
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