A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck the Caribbean Sea, prompting tsunami warnings across several countries. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 20 miles (32.1 km) north of Honduras and about 130 miles (209.2 km) southwest of the Cayman Islands.
In response to the seismic activity, tsunami alerts were issued for a range of coastal areas, including parts of Colombia, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Cuba. The National Weather Service initially issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands; however, this alert was lifted about 45 minutes later.
Despite the cancellation of some alerts, the National Tsunami Warning Centre cautioned that strong and unusual currents could still pose risks. Residents near coastlines were urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant. The government of the Cayman Islands specifically warned its citizens of a continued tsunami threat, advising those living near the shore to seek higher ground.
The USGS noted that significant earthquakes in this region are not uncommon, pointing to a similar event in 2018 when a 7.5-magnitude quake resulted in minor damage and a small tsunami. The agency emphasized that the remote location of these earthquakes often limits the potential for severe destruction from shaking.
As of now, there are no tsunami alerts for the mainland United States. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents are encouraged to stay informed through local emergency management updates.