A magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit the western Caribbean on Saturday night, causing initial tsunami warnings for some islands. No major damage has been reported.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake struck at 6:23 p.m. ET at a depth of 6 miles below the surface. The epicenter was about 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands.
Tsunami Warning Issued, Then Cleared
The Cayman Islands government issued a tsunami alert but later announced an “all clear” for Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
No tsunami was observed, according to the Cayman Islands hazard management agency.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System also placed Cuba under a tsunami threat, expecting waves between 3 to 10 feet high, but no tsunami occurred.
Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands on Alert
A tsunami advisory was briefly issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands but was later canceled.
Puerto Rico’s governor, Jenniffer González Colón, warned residents near the west and south coasts to stay out of the water as a precaution.
What Caused the Earthquake?
The USGS said the quake happened near the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates.
Large earthquakes in this area are not unusual. In the past 100 years, at least 10 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher have occurred in the region.
The USGS first recorded the earthquake as an 8.0 magnitude but later corrected it to 7.6.
No Major Damage Reported
Officials say no significant damage or injuries have been reported. The earthquake’s remote location reduced its impact on populated areas.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, but for now, the Caribbean has avoided a major disaster.
Leave a comment