A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake jolted the Caribbean Sea between Honduras and the Cayman Islands, triggering a tsunami alert, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Authorities issued a heightened warning for the Cayman Islands, while confirming that Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands were no longer at risk.
“The Tsunami Advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands is now canceled. While alerts have ended, strong and unusual currents may continue. Be careful near the water and use caution,” the NWS announced on X.
According to a statement from the USGS, the earthquake struck at 6:23 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 20 miles north of Honduras and 130 miles southwest of the Cayman Islands.
In response, the Cayman Islands Hazard Management Agency issued an urgent warning: “The Cayman Islands is under a Tsunami threat. Residents living near the coastline are encouraged to move inland.”
Authorities also advised people to avoid harbors, bays, and marinas, as well as exit any bodies of water for safety.
This was the most powerful earthquake to hit the area since the catastrophic 7.2-magnitude tremor that devastated Haiti in 2021.
At 8:23 p.m., the NWS issued a report stating: “A Tsunami Threat continues for Cuba, where a tsunami may reach 1 to 3 meters above the tide, and Honduras and the Cayman Islands, where a tsunami may reach up to 0.3 to 1 meter above the tide.” However, no warnings or alerts have been issued for the United States.
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