A magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea, triggering a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Although the advisory was later lifted, NOAA and local authorities warned of potential tsunami waves along Cuban coasts. Strike-slip faulting near the North American and Caribbean plate boundaries was identified as the cause of the quake.
A recent tremor measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, approximately 130 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, around 6:30 p.m., as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This significant earthquake prompted a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, urging residents to keep away from beaches and coastal areas due to potential hazards such as flooding and oceanic level fluctuations.
Later in the evening, at approximately 8:15 p.m., the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) lifted the tsunami advisory, although they cautioned that strong and unpredictable currents may persist, advising the public to exercise caution near water. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated that wave heights could potentially reach between 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels on some coasts of Cuba, with the Cuban government advising residents to evacuate shoreline areas.
The NOAA provided further details, explaining that actual wave amplitudes along the coast could differ from forecasts due to unforeseen local factors and uncertainties in assessments. It is important to note that there was no tsunami alert issued for the mainland United States following the earthquake’s occurrence. The USGS attributed the earthquake to strike-slip fault activity occurring in the shallow crust where the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates meet, indicating a complex rupture mechanism.
On Saturday, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake impacted the Caribbean Sea, leading to a regional tsunami advisory. This phenomenon was closely monitored by USGS and NOAA, highlighting the significance of tectonic activities in this region. Earthquakes can trigger tsunamis, oceanic conditions, and associated hazards, making monitoring and timely advisories crucial for public safety.
In conclusion, the notable earthquake in the Caribbean Sea resulted in a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, later canceled by the NTWC. The NOAA’s warnings concerning the potential for tsunami waves and their impacts on coastal areas underscore the importance of vigilance in response to seismic activities. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage associated with the earthquake.
Original Source: keprtv.com
