7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Caribbean, Coastal Areas Urged to Evacuate

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, prompting evacuation recommendations for coastal residents across several islands due to tsunami advisory alerts issued by authorities. The U.S. mainland remains unaffected, although advisories are in place for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Honduras.

On Saturday, the Caribbean Sea experienced a significant 7.6 magnitude earthquake, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Occurring at 6:23 p.m. local time, the earthquake’s epicenter was located 130 miles south-southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands, with a depth of 10 kilometers. In response, local governments have warned coastal residents to relocate inland to mitigate potential tsunami risks.

While the U.S. mainland is not under a tsunami alert, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami advisory specifically for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hazard Management Cayman Islands has recommended that coastal residents evacuate to higher ground, projecting wave heights between 0.3 to 1 meter in the affected areas.

Despite the tsunami advisory, Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón stated she was in contact with emergency services but did not advise evacuating coastal areas. Concurrently, the Dominican Republic emphasized the need for residents along its coast to seek high ground and move at least 2 kilometers inland for safety. It also advised maritime vessels to avoid coastal waters temporarily.

The Cuban government has similarly issued evacuation warnings for beachfront areas. In Honduras, authorities reported no immediate damage; however, they advised citizens to refrain from using beaches in the interim. Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated the potential for tsunami waves reaching between 1 and 3 meters along various Cuban coasts.

The NOAA noted the variability of actual tsunami wave heights due to the unpredictable nature of forecasting and local coastal features. Local emergency services have been actively monitoring the situation in light of the earthquake and potential tsunami risks.

In conclusion, the recent magnitude-7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean has prompted various governments in the region to take precautionary measures, urging coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground. While the U.S. mainland was not issued a tsunami alert, advisories for Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic highlighted the potential dangers. Effective communication from authorities is paramount for ensuring community safety in such natural disaster scenarios.

Original Source: abc7.com