Caribbean Earthquake of 7.6 Magnitude Triggers Widespread Tsunami Alerts

A 7.6-magnitude earthquake has struck the Caribbean Sea, alarming coastal communities and prompting a flurry of tsunami alerts. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake's epicenter was located approximately 20 miles north of Honduras and 130 miles southwest of the Cayman Islands. Countries affected by the tsunami warnings include 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National Weather Service issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands; however, this alert was rescinded about 45 minutes later. "Although alerts have concluded, caution is advised due to the possibility of strong currents," the National Tsunami Warning Centre cautioned. In contrast, the Cayman Islands government has urged coastal residents to seek higher ground due to an ongoing tsunami threat.

The USGS noted that the region experiences sizable earthquakes due to its location along a tectonic plate boundary and recalled a significant earthquake from 2018 that caused minor damage and generated a small tsunami. "Fortunately, the remote tectonic settings of such earthquakes generally mitigate the risk of severe destruction from shaking," they said. Meanwhile, the US National Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed that there are currently no alerts affecting the mainland US coastline.