A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday night, shaking areas north of Honduras and southwest of the Cayman Islands. The earthquake briefly triggered tsunami warnings and advisories across the region, though these were later lifted.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at approximately 6:23 p.m. Eastern Time. The epicenter was located about 129 miles southwest of George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands, and 372 miles west of Kingston, Jamaica.
The depth of the quake was significant enough to send tremors across multiple islands, leading to initial concerns of a potential tsunami.
Shortly after the earthquake, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands.
In addition, it identified a “tsunami threat” for Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands. Authorities in affected regions quickly urged residents to remain cautious and stay out of the water as a precaution.
However, by late Saturday night, officials reassessed the situation and canceled all tsunami alerts. The warning center announced that updated modeling and data showed that the tsunami threat had passed for the entire Caribbean region. No alerts were issued for the mainland United States.
Local authorities took swift action during the uncertainty following the earthquake. In the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico, officials advised residents to stay away from beaches and coastal waters.
Ángel Vázquez, director of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, emphasized the importance of caution. “Although a high-impact event is not anticipated, as a safety measure, no one should be in the water until further notice. It is important to follow official information and avoid the spread of rumors,” Vázquez stated.
Despite the strength of the earthquake, there have been no reports of significant damage or casualties. According to CBS News the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service confirmed that they had not received any reports of structural damage or injuries. The tremors were felt across multiple islands, with at least 326 people reporting to the USGS that they had experienced the shaking.
Earthquakes of this magnitude in the Caribbean are not uncommon due to the region’s complex geological structure. The Caribbean Plate, which interacts with several other tectonic plates, is prone to seismic activity. In January 2020, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck between Jamaica and Cuba, causing widespread tremors but minimal damage.
Saturday’s earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic events. While this particular event did not cause significant harm, it highlighted the importance of preparedness and rapid response in coastal communities. Experts continue to monitor the region for aftershocks, though none of significant magnitude have been reported so far.
As of late Saturday night, the situation in the affected areas remained stable, with normal activities gradually resuming. Authorities continue to urge residents to stay informed through official channels and be mindful of potential aftershocks.