A major earthquake occurred on Saturday night in the Western Caribbean, causing temporary tsunami advisories for a number of islands and coastal areas, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake occurred at 6:23 pm ET, about 130 miles south-southwest pf George Town, Cayman Islands.
Initial Reactions and Warnings in the Western Caribbean
Regional officials moved quickly to protect citizens after the earthquake, which was first recorded at magnitude 8.0 before being revised to 7.6. Among the significant developments were:
- The US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands are all under a tsunami warning.
- The Cayman Islands’ residents were advised to relocate inland and away from the coast.
- The governor of Puerto Rico ordered everyone to leave the island’s western and southern coastlines right now.
Emergency responders in affected areas coordinated efforts to ensure public safety and provide timely updates.
Impact Assessment for the Western Caribbean
Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, its impact was less severe than initially feared. The Cayman Islands Hazard Management Agency later issued an “all clear” statement, confirming no major damage across the islands. Danielle Coleman, the agency’s director, expressed relief, stating,
“Given the magnitude of this earthquake, the outcome is fortunate, and we’re grateful for the minimal impact.”
Local authorities continue monitoring the situation and have urged residents to remain cautious, as aftershocks are possible in the coming days.
Technical Details for the Western Caribbean
The USGS provided detailed insights into the earthquake’s characteristics:
- Depth: Six miles or so below the surface
- Location: Strike-slip fault close to the Caribbean plate’s and North America’s tectonic border
- Population Exposure: limited because of the far marine position of the earthquake
Seismologists note that the shallow depth of the earthquake increased the potential for tsunami formation, leading to the swift issuance of advisories.
Historical Context of Western Caribbean
The western Caribbean is no stranger to seismic activity, with the region experiencing significant earthquakes over the past century:
- The region has seen at least ten documented earthquakes with a magnitude of six or higher.
- This incident is comparable to an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 that occurred in January 2018.
- The potential for damage from such huge seismic occurrences is usually reduced by the region’s remote position.
The region’s vulnerability because of its location along important tectonic plate borders is highlighted by the earthquake’s significant magnitude. Nonetheless, the risk to populated regions was greatly diminished by the remote oceanic epicenter, underscoring the significance of ongoing preparation and monitoring for communities in the western Caribbean.