The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has reported a significant 7.6-magnitude earthquake hitting the Caribbean Sea, with its epicenter located approximately 20 miles (32.1km) north of Honduras and around 130 miles (209.2km) south-west of the Cayman Islands. This seismic event has led to multiple tsunami alerts across the region, affecting coastal areas in Colombia, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Cuba.
Initially, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands; however, this was retracted about 45 minutes later. The National Tsunami Warning Centre cautioned that although alerts had ceased, residents should remain vigilant, as strong and unusual currents could persist. Individuals in affected areas were advised to keep updated with local emergency management updates.
Specifically alerting the residents of the Cayman Islands, the government stated they remain "under a tsunami threat," urging those residing near the coastline to relocate inland for safety. Historically, the USGS noted that seismic activity in this plate boundary region is not uncommon, referencing a nearby 7.5-magnitude earthquake from 2018 that caused limited damage and triggered a small tsunami. Fortunately, the remote location of such earthquakes typically minimizes risks associated with ground shaking.
In a separate announcement, the US National Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed that there are currently no alerts for the mainland United States.
Initially, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands; however, this was retracted about 45 minutes later. The National Tsunami Warning Centre cautioned that although alerts had ceased, residents should remain vigilant, as strong and unusual currents could persist. Individuals in affected areas were advised to keep updated with local emergency management updates.
Specifically alerting the residents of the Cayman Islands, the government stated they remain "under a tsunami threat," urging those residing near the coastline to relocate inland for safety. Historically, the USGS noted that seismic activity in this plate boundary region is not uncommon, referencing a nearby 7.5-magnitude earthquake from 2018 that caused limited damage and triggered a small tsunami. Fortunately, the remote location of such earthquakes typically minimizes risks associated with ground shaking.
In a separate announcement, the US National Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed that there are currently no alerts for the mainland United States.
