A magnitude 7.6 earthquake shook the Caribbean Sea on Saturday evening, prompting tsunami warnings for various islands and countries across the region. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the offshore quake occurred at 6:23 PM local time at a depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located 209 kilometers south-southwest of George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands.
Immediately following the tremor, officials across several nations, including Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Honduras, took precautionary measures to safeguard residents living near coastal areas. The US National Tsunami Warning Center initially issued alerts for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which were later canceled, but not before causing panic among residents who fled coastal areas, resulting in heavy traffic as reported by local media.
"Dangerous tsunami waves are possible along some coasts over the next three hours," warned the International Tsunami Information Center, reflecting the serious nature of the situation. The Dominican government also urged residents by recommending they move to higher ground, at least 20 meters above sea level and at least two kilometers inland. Warnings similarly went out across Cuba, which advised the population to evacuate coastal zones.
Following the seismic activity, which also recorded two less powerful aftershocks, waves of 0.3 to 1 meter were anticipated for the affected regions. The governor of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer González Colón, stated she had been in contact with emergency agencies and reassured the public about safety protocols, yet specified, "I did not recommend my constituents leave the coast." This highlights the uncertainty and varied responses among different officials throughout the region, necessitating clear communication.
Meanwhile, Cuba's government mobilized resources to guide residents away from ocean fronts. The Bahamas meteorological department released advisories to the population to remain vigilant, without elevations to full tsunami warnings.
The Honduran authorities reported no immediate damage following the quake but advised communities to stay clear of beaches for precautionary reasons. Some regions were estimated to potentially experience tsunami waves reaching 1 to 3 meters above tidal levels, especially along the coast of Cuba, according to NOAA.
By around 10 PM local time, the tsunami alert was lifted after no significant deviations were noted from the expected sea level changes. Residents of the Caribbean were reminded of the risks associated with observing natural events closely.
Months earlier, the Caribbean faced challenges from similarly intense seismic activity, triggering reminders about the region's vulnerability to natural disasters. While no damage was reported from this recent earthquake, the event served as a stark reminder of the seismic forces at play beneath the Caribbean Sea and the preparedness required from both authorities and residents alike.
Reflecting on the day’s events, local news outlets noted the quick response of local leadership, displaying both the importance of established emergency protocols and the inherent risks faced by communities situated near the ocean. With the quakes reminding many of their geographic reality, discussions surrounding disaster preparedness continue as officials monitor potential future seismic events.