7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Caribbean, Triggers Tsunami Advisory
A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit the western Caribbean on Saturday night, prompting a tsunami advisory for the Cayman Islands, though Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were later cleared of any threat.
The quake struck at 6:23 p.m. ET, approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, at a depth of about 6 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Shortly after the earthquake, the Cayman Islands' hazard management agency issued a tsunami warning, urging coastal residents to move inland. However, by late Saturday, an "all clear" was given for Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, with officials confirming that no tsunami was observed.
"This was a large earthquake, and we are thankful that no major damage has been reported across our islands," said Danielle Coleman, director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands.
Initially, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System had also placed Cuba under a similar threat, warning of potential tsunami waves between 3 and 10 feet high. However, by early Sunday, no active warnings or advisories remained for the region.
In Puerto Rico, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón urged residents—especially those on the west and south coasts—to avoid entering the water as a precaution.
"Although no major impact is anticipated, as a safety measure, no one should be in the water until further notice," she said.
Despite the initial tsunami warnings, the region avoided significant damage or casualties, and normal conditions have resumed.