A powerful earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday night, briefly triggering tsunami alerts before they were lifted. The earthquake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, occurred north of Honduras and southwest of the Cayman Islands. Despite its strength, no significant damage has been reported.
Key Details of the Earthquake
Magnitude: 7.6
Time: 6:23 p.m. Eastern Time (Saturday)
Epicentre: Approximately 129 miles southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands
Distance from Jamaica: 372 miles west of Kingston
Depth: Information provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Tsunami Alerts Issued and Lifted
Following the earthquake, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami advisory for:
Puerto Rico
The U.S. Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands
A “tsunami threat” was also issued for Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands. However, by late Saturday night, the warning centre confirmed that “based on the latest modelling and information, the tsunami threat has passed.” No alerts were issued for the mainland United States.
Precautionary Measures Taken
During the initial uncertainty, authorities in affected regions urged residents to stay out of the water. Ángel Vázquez, director of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, advised:
“Although a high-impact event is not anticipated, as a safety measure, no one should be in the water until further notice.”
“It is important to follow official information and avoid spreading rumours.”
No Reports of Damage or Casualties
Fortunately, there have been no reports of significant damage or casualties from the earthquake. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service confirmed that no major incidents were recorded.
Meanwhile, the USGS reported that at least 326 people in the region felt the tremors and submitted reports. Residents experienced mild to moderate shaking, but no structural collapses have been reported.
What to Do in Case of Future Earthquakes
While this earthquake did not cause widespread harm, it serves as a reminder for residents in earthquake-prone regions to stay prepared:
Have an emergency kit ready with food, water, and first aid supplies.
Know evacuation routes in case of a tsunami threat.
Stay informed by following updates from official sources such as the USGS and local emergency services.
Avoid spreading misinformation and rely on verified reports.
Final Thoughts
The Caribbean region frequently experiences seismic activity, making preparedness essential. This recent earthquake, though powerful, thankfully resulted in no significant damage or loss of life. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, ensuring public safety remains the top priority.
For the latest updates on natural disasters and emergency alerts, stay tuned to reliable sources like the USGS and national meteorological agencies.
Sources:
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center
Puerto Rico Seismic Network
Royal Cayman Islands Police Service