Tsunami Threat Dissipates After 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake in Caribbean

Tsunami advisories in the Caribbean have been lifted after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands. The NOAA confirmed no significant tsunami threat remains, with only minimal unusual currents detected. Cruise ships have resumed normal itineraries, and there have been no reports of injuries or severe damages. However, aftershocks are possible, prompting local authorities to advise vigilance among residents and travelers.

The Caribbean region can breathe a sigh of relief as tsunami advisories following a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands on February 8 have been lifted. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that the tsunami threat has dissipated, with no significant surges or major impacts reported.

According to the NWS, “With the latest modeling and information, the tsunami threat has passed.” The statement further clarified, “There are no alerts posted for the United States or International Partners. The tsunami threat has passed.”

Initial reports indicated potential surges of up to 10 feet; however, actual effects were much less severe. As of early February 9, the U.S. Geological Survey received over 350 reports of individuals who felt the earthquake, yet there were no significant injuries or damages reported.

As conditions normalize, cruise ships in the affected area have resumed their regular schedules. Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Summit, the closest passenger vessel to the earthquake, extended its stay in George Town, Grand Cayman, by five hours before departing for Fort Lauderdale.

The 2,218-guest Celebrity Summit is currently enjoying a two-day sea journey, concluding a special entertainment cruise featuring American composer and trumpeter Chris Botti. Similarly, Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Grandeur is also navigating the area en route to Falmouth, Jamaica, for a scheduled call.

Several Caribbean regions, including Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and others, were initially placed on high alert following the tremor, which occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time. A challenge arose as five out of six Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoys near the Cayman Islands were non-operational at the time of the incident.

Royal Caribbean’s Meteorologist Craig Setzer highlighted the buoy failures on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Buoy 42409 in the central Gulf apparently recorded the ‘shaking’ as a series of deep-water waves passed, but not tsunami waves. The other buoys are reporting ‘NO DATA.’” He noted that while two buoys had drifted, the fate of the remaining three responsible for tsunami detection was uncertain.

Despite the lifted tsunami warnings, there remains a possibility of aftershocks following the earthquake. Dani Coleman, director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands, stated, “We have no doubt that there will be aftershocks over the next couple of days.” She urged the public to stay vigilant and monitor official updates regarding seismic activity.

Aftershocks are smaller tremors that occur post large earthquakes, indicating Earth’s adjustment to significant seismic events. While these aftershocks can take place days or weeks later, it is noteworthy that ships at sea are generally unaffected by earthquakes deep beneath the surface and are built to withstand rough seas.

On February 9, George Town’s tender port has no scheduled calls. The next vessel set to arrive is the Independence of the Seas on February 10, followed by the Seven Seas Grandeur and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure on February 11. The Cayman Islands port authority has not issued any warnings for these upcoming arrivals.

In conclusion, the tsunami threat following the 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands has officially passed without significant repercussions. Tsunami advisories have been lifted, allowing cruise operations to resume. Although the likelihood of aftershocks remains, there has been no reported damage or injuries, and the region is returning to normal activities. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure public safety.

Original Source: www.cruisehive.com