A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, prompting a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center later canceled the advisory, noting the continuation of strong currents. NOAA warned of potential tsunami waves for Cuba and advised evacuation of beachfront areas, although no damage was reported post-quake.
On Saturday, a significant earthquake measuring 7.6 in magnitude struck the Caribbean Sea, approximately 130 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the tremor occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. This seismic event prompted a temporary tsunami advisory impacting Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with officials warning residents to avoid coastal areas due to potential sea-level hazards and flooding risks.
By 8:15 p.m., the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) announced that the advisory had been lifted, but emphasized the possibility of continued strong and unusual currents. The NTWC cautioned individuals near the water to exercise care and vigilance. Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated that certain coasts of Cuba might experience tsunami waves ranging from 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels.
The projected threat for Cuba reached as high as 3 meters, while Honduras and the Cayman Islands were forecasted to see waves between 0.3 to 1 meter. The Cuban government responded by advising citizens to evacuate from beachfront zones. The NOAA clarified that the actual wave heights at coastal areas could differ from forecasts due to local conditions.
Importantly, there were no tsunami warnings issued for the U.S. mainland. The USGS attributed this earthquake to a mechanism termed “strike slip faulting” occurring in the shallow crust near the convergence of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. They noted that rupture occurred along a steeply oriented fault structure either to the west-northwest or west-southwest.
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage following the earthquake, as noted by various reports after the incident.
In summary, the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean Sea instigated a temporary tsunami advisory for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Although the advisory has since been canceled, NOAA indicated potential risks for nearby coastal regions, particularly Cuba. The event has raised awareness regarding tectonic activities in the region, highlighting the need for vigilance amidst such natural occurrences.
Original Source: wgme.com
