7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Caribbean, Coastal Residents Urged to Evacuate

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea south of the Cayman Islands on Saturday, prompting several islands to suggest that residents evacuate inland. Most tsunami alerts were eventually lifted, although some temporary advisories were issued. Emergency management agencies coordinated efforts to ensure public safety amid the seismic disturbance.

On Saturday, the Caribbean Sea experienced a magnitude-7.6 earthquake located south of the Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, with its epicenter positioned 130 miles southwest of George Town and a depth of 10 kilometers. Consequently, several islands and nations cautioned coastal residents to seek higher ground, although most tsunami alerts were eventually rescinded.

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that no tsunami alert affected the U.S. mainland, yet a temporary advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was later canceled. Hazard Management Cayman Islands warned residents in coastal areas to evacuate inland to avoid anticipated wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter, but subsequently declared an “all clear” via social media.

In Puerto Rico, Governor Jenniffer González Colón assured the public that she was coordinating with emergency agencies after the tsunami advisory, clarifying that no evacuation from the coast was mandated. Local reports indicated that alarm sounds in the northwest region prompted residents to flee coastal zones, leading to significant traffic congestion.

The Dominican Republic initially issued a tsunami warning advising coastal inhabitants to seek refuge at elevations exceeding 20 meters and 2 kilometers inland; this warning was later retracted. Officials in Honduras reported no immediate damage and advised citizens to avoid beachfront areas, while authorities in Cuba asked residents to evacuate coastal zones. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also indicated that Cuba might experience tsunami waves reaching heights of 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels.

In summary, a significant 7.6 magnitude earthquake shook the Caribbean, prompting various islands and territories to issue tsunami advisories for coastal residents. Although many alerts were eventually canceled, emergency management agencies urged inhabitants to prioritize safety by moving to higher ground as a precautionary measure. Overall, swift coordination by government and emergency officials helped mitigate potential dangers from this seismic event.

Original Source: www.wilx.com