A strong earthquake of 7.6 magnitude struck the Caribbean Sea near Honduras, prompting a series of tsunami warnings across the region.
Major 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Caribbean, Sparks Tsunami Alerts
Major 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Caribbean, Sparks Tsunami Alerts
Powerful seismic event causes widespread alerts and precautions in multiple countries.
The quake, recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), was centered approximately 20 miles (32.1 km) north of Honduras and about 130 miles (209.2 km) to the south-west of the Cayman Islands. Several nations, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Cuba, received tsunami alerts in the wake of the seismic activity.
Initially, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami advisory that affected Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands; however, this alert was swiftly retracted 45 minutes later. The National Tsunami Warning Centre cautioned that while alerts have ceased, persistent strong currents may remain. Residents are urged to exercise caution near coastlines.
The Cayman Islands government, however, maintained its warning about the tsunami threat, advising coastal inhabitants to move inland for safety. The geological survey emphasized that while the occurrence of large earthquakes in this specific area is not uncommon—drawing parallels to a 2018 incident where a smaller 7.5 magnitude quake resulted in minor damage—it added that the remote epicenter likely mitigates the risk for extensive shaking-related devastation.
Meanwhile, the US National Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed that there are currently no tsunami alerts affecting the mainland US coast, ensuring some degree of safety for residents across the broader region.
Initially, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami advisory that affected Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands; however, this alert was swiftly retracted 45 minutes later. The National Tsunami Warning Centre cautioned that while alerts have ceased, persistent strong currents may remain. Residents are urged to exercise caution near coastlines.
The Cayman Islands government, however, maintained its warning about the tsunami threat, advising coastal inhabitants to move inland for safety. The geological survey emphasized that while the occurrence of large earthquakes in this specific area is not uncommon—drawing parallels to a 2018 incident where a smaller 7.5 magnitude quake resulted in minor damage—it added that the remote epicenter likely mitigates the risk for extensive shaking-related devastation.
Meanwhile, the US National Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed that there are currently no tsunami alerts affecting the mainland US coast, ensuring some degree of safety for residents across the broader region.
