A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 shook the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, putting a dozen islands on alert for possible tsunami waves. The tremor, which struck about 209 km southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands, raised concerns across the region.
Both Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands issued tsunami advisories, warning people to stay cautious. Several other Caribbean nations also raised alarms about potential tsunami threats. The National Weather Service (NWS) emphasized that earthquakes of this size can create dangerous tsunamis that may impact nearby shorelines.
Authorities in multiple countries, including Colombia, Haiti, Belize, Aruba, Curacao, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Panama, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Honduras, Mexico, Bonaire, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Jamaica, closely monitored the situation. Many residents felt the tremors and expressed their concerns about possible aftershocks or tsunami waves.
This earthquake is the strongest recorded in the past two years worldwide. Videos shared online show the aftermath of the quake, including shaking buildings and frightened residents.
Despite initial fears, experts believe the risk of a major tsunami is low. Atmospheric scientist Matthew Cappucci explained on social media that the earthquake was shallow, with a depth of only about seven miles. He further clarified that it was a “strike-slip” quake, meaning the earth’s plates moved sideways rather than up and down. This type of movement generally does not produce large tsunamis. “Since there was minimal vertical motion, the chance of a big wave is very low,” Cappucci reassured.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) also downplayed concerns, stating that such large earthquakes are common in this part of the Caribbean plate boundary. Fortunately, the remote location of the quake reduced the likelihood of significant damage from the shaking.
While the earthquake caused alarm, officials are relieved that there have been no immediate reports of severe destruction or casualties. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and prepared in case of aftershocks. Emergency teams continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
In the meantime, experts advise people in coastal regions to remain alert but not panic. If necessary, evacuation plans should be followed to ensure safety. The earthquake serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the importance of readiness in vulnerable areas.
