A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea near Honduras, triggering tsunami warnings for several countries. The epicenter was located 20 miles north of Honduras and 130 miles southwest of the Cayman Islands. Tsunami advisories were issued and later canceled for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while the Cayman Islands and Cuba remained on alert. Authorities urged residents near coastlines to move inland as a precaution.
A significant geological event unfolded in the Caribbean Sea as a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck, leading to widespread tsunami warnings across several regions. The earthquake's epicenter was pinpointed about 20 miles north of Honduras and 130 miles southwest of the Cayman Islands. This seismic activity prompted emergency responses and advisories, particularly for coastal residents in the affected areas. Despite the initial fears, the remote location of the quake limited the potential for severe damage.
The earthquake, recorded at a depth of about 6 miles below the sea surface, occurred at 6:23 p.m. ET, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). It was initially measured at 8.0 but was later revised to 7.6. The tremor was centered 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands [1]. This region is known for its tectonic activity due to the boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates. "Large earthquakes at this location of the plate boundary are not unexpected," the USGS noted [2].
In response to the earthquake, tsunami warnings were issued for several regions, including the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and parts of Central America. The National Weather Service initially sent out a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was later canceled [1]. The Cayman Islands government urged residents near the coast to move inland, highlighting the potential for tsunami waves that could be deceptively powerful despite their height. "Residents living near the coastline are encouraged to move inland," the Cayman Islands hazard management agency advised [2].
The Caribbean region is no stranger to seismic activity, with several significant earthquakes recorded in recent history. In 2018, a similar 7.5-magnitude quake struck near the same area, causing minor damage and a small tsunami [1]. The USGS noted that aftershocks could persist for months or even years, as the fault lines readjust [3]. This ongoing activity underscores the importance of preparedness and the resilience of communities in earthquake-prone regions.
The 7.6-magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean Sea has highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic events. While the immediate threat of a tsunami has been mitigated by timely advisories and the remote location of the quake, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of natural disasters. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and residents are urged to stay informed through local emergency management channels.
""Residents living near the coastline are encouraged to move inland."" - Cayman Islands hazard management agency
""Luckily, the remote location of these earthquakes limits the potential for significant damage due to shaking."" - USGS