A Caribbean earthquake tsunami warning was issued after a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the western Caribbean on Saturday night. The quake triggered tsunami concerns for the Cayman Islands, while Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were later cleared of any threats.
The earthquake occurred at 6:23 p.m. ET, approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, at a depth of six miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Tsunami Threat and Response
Initially, the Cayman Islands government issued a Caribbean earthquake tsunami warning, advising coastal residents to move inland. However, later that night, the Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) declared an “all clear” for Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, confirming that no tsunami had materialized.
“This was a large earthquake, and we are grateful no significant damage has been reported,” said Danielle Coleman, director of HMCI.
The agency emphasized that tsunamis, even at 1.5 feet high, can be destructive. A wave spanning 50-60 miles wide can carry immense force, with the first sign often being a rapidly receding shoreline.
Impact on Cuba and Puerto Rico
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System initially projected a tsunami of 3 to 10 feet for Cuba, but the advisory was later lifted. The National Weather Service also issued a now-canceled Caribbean earthquake tsunami warning for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer González Colón urged residents to stay out of the water along the island’s west and south coasts as a precaution.
Geological Context and Previous Earthquakes
The USGS revised the quake’s magnitude from an initial 8.0 to 7.6. It occurred near a strike-slip fault along the North America-Caribbean plate boundary.
“Large earthquakes in this region are not uncommon,” the USGS stated, noting at least ten earthquakes over 6.0 magnitude in the last century, including a 7.5 magnitude quake in 2018, which caused minor damage and a small tsunami.
