A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday afternoon, prompting tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Riviera Maya. The quake, which occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, had its epicenter approximately 209 kilometers off the coast of the Cayman Islands at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
(Update: Riviera Maya has been removed from the alert area.)
The tremor was felt across the region, with reports from Jamaica, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands. Local authorities in these areas are assessing any structural damages or potential casualties.
Tsunami Hazard Warning Issued
The Puerto Rican National Weather Service issued a statement warning of a potential tsunami hazard, citing concerns about dangerous sea-level fluctuations and strong ocean currents. “Based on the analysis of all available data, there is a tsunami hazard for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands due to sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents that could present a danger along the coasts, beaches, ports, and coastal waters,” the weather service announced.
Officials have indicated that the earliest possible arrival of dangerous sea-level changes could occur at 9:48 p.m. local time. Coastal residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution, avoid beaches, and follow instructions from emergency management authorities.
Monitoring for Tsunami Wave Formation
While the threat remains high, the generation of a significant tsunami wave has not yet been confirmed. The situation is being closely monitored by regional seismic and oceanographic agencies.
Emergency services in Puerto Rico have been placed on high alert. Authorities are advising residents in low-lying areas to prepare for possible evacuations and stay tuned to local news channels for real-time updates.
Preparedness Efforts Underway
As a precaution, the government of the Virgin Islands has activated its emergency response teams. “We urge everyone to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols. The risk of dangerous currents is real even without a visible wave,” a spokesperson for the island’s emergency management office said.
Experts are emphasizing the importance of public awareness and preparedness. “This type of seismic activity in the Caribbean underscores the need for coastal communities to always be tsunami-aware,” noted a seismologist from the University of Puerto Rico.
Previous Regional Seismic Activity
The Caribbean region is no stranger to seismic activity due to its location along multiple tectonic plate boundaries. This latest quake is a reminder of the potential geological hazards that threaten the area, including earthquakes and tsunamis.
Authorities in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are coordinating closely with international monitoring agencies to provide timely updates as the situation evolves. Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain calm, stay informed, and prioritize their safety.
A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday afternoon, prompting tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Riviera Maya. The quake, which occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, had its epicenter approximately 209 kilometers off the coast of the Cayman Islands at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
(Update: Riviera Maya has been removed from the alert area.)
