7.6 Magnitude Caribbean Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Advisory for Cayman Islands

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the western Caribbean, triggering a tsunami advisory for the Cayman Islands. Residents were urged to seek higher ground, while Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were cleared of tsunami threats. The earthquake’s depth and remote location limited potential damage, though safety precautions remained vital.

On Saturday evening, a significant earthquake registering 7.6 in magnitude occurred in the western Caribbean, resulting in a tsunami advisory specifically for the Cayman Islands. The alert was activated following the assessment that Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands no longer faced a tsunami threat. The United States Geological Survey reported the quake took place at approximately 6:30 PM local time, roughly 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, at a depth of 6 miles beneath the surface.

In response to the tsunami threat, the Cayman Islands Hazard Management Agency urged residents near the coastline to evacuate to inland areas and seek higher ground. The agency informed the public that tsunami activity could occur within an hour of the advisory. It also cautioned that tsunami waves could be deceptively small, with heights of only about 1.5 feet yet possessing the ability to span vast distances of 50 to 60 miles.

The advisory extended caution to Cuba, where a tsunami threat was also indicated, with potential wave heights ranging from 3 to 10 feet in certain areas. It is noteworthy that earlier advisories for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands were retracted, indicating no imminent danger was posed in those regions.

The National Weather Service had previously advised residents of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to vacate water areas as a precaution against anticipated dangerous currents or waves. Governor Jenniffer González Colón emphasized the importance of heeding safety warnings and instructed residents to refrain from water activities until further notice. Despite the serious nature of the earthquake, initial assessments noted that significant population exposure to shaking was limited.

The USGS initially rated the earthquake at a magnitude of 8.0 but later revised this figure to 7.6. The agency acknowledged the occurrence of large earthquakes in this plate boundary region is not unexpected, having recorded over a dozen significant earthquakes over the past century, including a notable 7.5 magnitude event in January 2018, which provoked some damage and a minor tsunami, although the remote location mitigated the risk of widespread destruction.

The Caribbean region is seismically active due to its position along multiple tectonic plate boundaries. Earthquakes of significant magnitude can occasionally occur, following patterns observed in historical geophysical data. Emergency preparedness measures, including tsunami warnings, are crucial for minimizing risk and ensuring public safety in affected areas. The geological patterns show a history of earthquakes, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and readiness for natural disasters in regions prone to seismic activity.

In summary, the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the western Caribbean prompted immediate tsunami warnings for the Cayman Islands, urging coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground. While the initial threat assessments led to advisories in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, those were later canceled. Understanding the geological history and risks of earthquakes in this region highlights the necessity for preparedness and rapid response to natural disasters.

Original Source: www.firstpost.com