7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Caribbean: Tsunami Advisories Issued

A magnitude-7.6 earthquake hit the Caribbean on February 8, 2025, prompting tsunami advisories and evacuations in coastal areas of several nations, including Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts, with expected wave heights of up to 3 meters in some regions. Emergency services remain prepared amidst the ongoing assessments of the situation.

On February 8, 2025, a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea near the Cayman Islands at 6:23 PM local time. The earthquake’s epicenter was situated approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, with a depth of 10 kilometers. Following the event, authorities in various Caribbean nations issued advisories urging residents along coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground due to potential tsunami threats.

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center noted that while there was no tsunami alert for the U.S. mainland, a tsunami advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Officials in the Cayman Islands recommended residents near the coast seek higher ground, anticipating wave heights between 0.3 and 1 meter.

Puerto Rican Governor Jenniffer González Colón stated that following the tsunami advisory, communications were established with emergency services, though she did not advise evacuating coastal areas. The Dominican Republic issued a tsunami alert, advising citizens along the coastline to move to areas above 20 meters in elevation, as it warned ships to avoid entering the sea.

In Cuba, authorities called for evacuations from beachfront regions. Although there were no immediate reports of damage in Honduras, officials urged residents to refrain from visiting beaches temporarily. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that tsunami waves of 1 to 3 meters could reach parts of Cuba, and smaller waves were expected for Honduras and the Cayman Islands.

The NOAA cautioned that actual wave heights may differ from predictions due to local conditions and uncertainties in forecasting methods. Emergency services across the Caribbean are on alert, prepared to respond to any tsunami-related incidents following the earthquake.

The Caribbean region is prone to seismic activity due to its geographical location along tectonic plate boundaries. Earthquakes of significant magnitudes can trigger tsunamis, prompting immediate coastal evacuation warnings. The potential for such geological events necessitates preparedness from government agencies and local authorities, ensuring the safety of residents in vulnerable coastal areas. Understanding the seismic risks in the Caribbean is crucial for safeguarding lives during such natural disasters.

In summary, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean, instigating tsunami advisories for various nations. Officials in the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Cuba urged coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground. The NOAA provided warnings regarding potential tsunami wave heights, underscoring the importance of quick response measures. Preparedness is vital in mitigating risks associated with earthquakes and potential tsunamis in the Caribbean region.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com