A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck in the Caribbean Sea between Honduras and the Cayman Islands, triggering a tsunami alert, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Authorities issued the alert for the Cayman Islands while confirming that Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands were not at risk.
“The Tsunami Advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands is now canceled. While alerts have ended, strong and unusual currents may continue. Be cautious near the water,” the National Weather Service (NWS) posted on X.
A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck in the Caribbean Sea, sending shockwaves through the region and prompting tsunami warnings. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 20 miles north of Honduras and 130 miles southwest of the Cayman Islands.
The tremor was strong enough to be felt across multiple countries, raising immediate concerns about potential aftershocks and the threat of a tsunami. Shortly after the earthquake, authorities in the Cayman Islands issued an urgent advisory, warning residents of possible tsunami activity.
Cayman Islands Issues Tsunami Threat Alert
The government of the Cayman Islands Hazard Management Agency released an official statement urging caution. “The Cayman Islands is under a tsunami threat. Residents living near the coastline are encouraged to move inland,” the statement read. Emergency services were put on high alert as officials monitored the situation closely.
While no immediate reports of damage or injuries emerged, experts warned that strong and unusual ocean currents could still pose a risk to coastal communities. Authorities advised people to stay away from beaches and low-lying areas until further assessments could confirm that the danger had passed.
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands Out of Danger
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service (NWS) quickly assessed the situation and determined that Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands were not at risk. “The Tsunami Advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands is now canceled. While alerts have ended, strong and unusual currents may continue. Be cautious near the water,” the NWS posted on X.
Tsunami alerts are a crucial precaution after major earthquakes, as undersea seismic activity can trigger sudden and dangerous waves. Although the tsunami threat for some areas was lifted, experts continued to monitor the Caribbean region for any signs of secondary impacts, including aftershocks or delayed wave activity.
A Region on Edge
The earthquake served as a reminder of the vulnerability of the Caribbean region to seismic activity. The region lies along the Caribbean Plate, a tectonic boundary known for producing significant earthquakes. Over the years, countries in this area have experienced devastating tremors, leading to loss of life and widespread destruction.
While this latest earthquake did not immediately appear to cause catastrophic damage, residents and officials remained on high alert. Disaster response teams were prepared to act swiftly should any further developments arise.
As experts continue to analyze the data and assess the situation, residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed through official channels. Those in coastal regions, particularly in the Cayman Islands, were reminded to take all necessary precautions and prioritize safety.
With ongoing monitoring from geological agencies and emergency management teams, the situation remains fluid, but for now, the immediate tsunami threat appears to be under control.
Further, the alert advised residents to move away from harbors, beys, and marinas, and get out of the water.
The earthquake was the largest to hit the region since the devastating 7.2 magnitude quake that struck Haiti in 2021.
NWS reported at 8.23 p.m. that “a Tsunami Threat continues for Cuba, where a tsunami may reach 1 to 3 meters above the tide, and Honduras and the Cayman Islands, where a tsunami may reach up to 0.3 to 1 meter above the tide.” However, the United States has not received any threats or alerts.