Magnitude-7.6 Earthquake Shakes Caribbean, Prompting Coastal Evacuations

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake shook the Caribbean Sea, leading to precautionary evacuations along coastlines. Initial tsunami advisories were issued but later canceled for various regions including Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands. Authorities encouraged inland relocation although reports of damage were minimal, highlighting the significance of disaster preparedness.

A magnitude-7.6 earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands, at 6:23 p.m. local time. The earthquake, with a depth of 10 kilometers, prompted several island nations and regions to issue advisories urging residents near coastlines to evacuate inland as a precaution. However, most tsunami alerts were subsequently lifted.

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was later canceled, indicating no immediate threats to the U.S. mainland. In the wake of the earthquake, the Cayman Islands authorities cautioned residents to seek higher ground due to the potential for wave heights ranging from 0.3 to 1 meter.

Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer González Colón confirmed ongoing communication with emergency agencies following the tsunami advisory, yet she did not mandate any evacuations. Following the alarm in Puerto Rico’s northwest region, there was a significant exodus from coastal areas, causing heavy traffic congestion, as reported by local media outlets.

The Dominican Republic’s government issued a tsunami alert as well, recommending residents to relocate to elevations exceeding 20 meters and retreat at least 2 kilometers inland; however, this alert was also later retracted. In Honduras, officials noted no immediate damage reports but advised residents to refrain from visiting beaches, while Cuba requested beachfront residents to evacuate as a precautionary measure.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned that some coastal areas in Cuba could experience tsunami waves reaching between 1 to 3 meters above tide levels. As of the latest updates, attention remains focused on safety measures in the region to mitigate the impact of this seismic event and ensure public safety.

This recent event highlights the vulnerability of coastal regions in the Caribbean to seismic activities and potential tsunamis. Earthquakes of this magnitude can trigger significant wave actions, leading to local government responses to ensure the safety of their populations. Historic precedents emphasize the necessity for timely evacuations and preparedness, especially in densely populated coastal areas.

In conclusion, the magnitude-7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean prompted immediate safety advisories across several islands, with varying responses to tsunami alerts. Although initial warnings caused significant precautionary evacuations, many locations lifted their alerts as the situation stabilized. This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and preparedness to protect residents in seismic-prone regions.

Original Source: www.wifr.com