7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Warnings in the Caribbean

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea near Honduras, prompting tsunami warnings across neighboring regions including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The quake is the largest recorded globally since 2023, with officials advising coastal residents to seek inland safety. Potential wave impacts are expected in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands within the hour, though tsunami generation remains unconfirmed at this time.

A significant earthquake, measured at a magnitude of 7.6, struck the Caribbean Sea north of Honduras on Saturday, eliciting tsunami warnings across neighboring islands and countries. The Tsunami Warning Center had initially reported the quake as magnitude 8 but later revised it, marking it as the largest quake globally since 2023. The tremor was felt approximately 202 km southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands. Consequently, NOAA issued potential tsunami threat warnings for several regions including Colombia, Haiti, and multiple Caribbean islands.

In addition to the broader alert, specific warnings were issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands regarding tsunami possibilities. Following the earthquake, the government of the Cayman Islands urged residents in coastal areas to evacuate inland. Potential tsunami waves generated by the quake were projected to reach Puerto Rico’s western coast around 8:48 p.m. EST, followed by the U.S. Virgin Islands about 30 minutes later.

Earthquakes can pose significant risks, especially in regions like the Caribbean that are situated along tectonic plate boundaries. Understanding the geological activity in these areas is essential in forecasting potential seismic events and ensuing tsunami risks. As the Caribbean has a history of such natural disasters, the issuance of tsunami advisories is a critical measure for public safety following substantial seismic activities, such as the recent 7.6 magnitude earthquake.

The 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean has raised alarms across multiple nations, prompting tsunami advisories and warnings for coastal populations. As authorities continue to monitor potential tsunami waves, the event underscores the ongoing seismic risks that regions near tectonic plate margins face. Public safety remains a paramount concern, and residents are advised to heed emergency protocols and warnings from local authorities.

Original Source: www.newsbreak.com