A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the western Caribbean on Saturday night, triggering a tsunami advisory. The tremor occurred at approximately 6:30 pm (local time) at a depth of six miles below the surface, around 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Initially, the earthquake was recorded as an 8.0 magnitude event but was later reassessed to 7.6.
Tsunami Advisory for the Cayman Islands
Following the earthquake, authorities issued a tsunami advisory for the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands Hazard Management Agency urged residents living near the coastline to move inland and seek higher ground as a precautionary measure. The agency emphasised that tsunami waves, although sometimes appearing as small as 1.5 feet, can stretch up to 50-60 miles wide and carry devastating force.
Similarly, Cuba was placed under a tsunami threat, with warnings indicating potential waves between 3 to 10 feet high in some regions.
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Initially Warned
A tsunami advisory was initially issued for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, urging residents to stay out of the water, particularly along the island’s western and southern coasts. Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón advised people to vacate the water immediately, emphasizing safety measures. However, the advisory for these regions was later canceled.
Seismic Activity in the Region
The USGS stated that large earthquakes in this area are not uncommon, as the region has recorded at least ten tremors of magnitude 6.0 or higher in the past century. A significant earthquake occurred on January 10, 2018, when a 7.5 magnitude quake resulted in minor damage and a small tsunami. Fortunately, the remote location of these earthquakes helps limit the extent of damage from seismic activity.
