A 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the Caribbean Sea on Saturday evening, triggering a tsunami warning for Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and nearby regions. The quake struck north of Honduras and southwest of the Cayman Islands at approximately 6:23 p.m. ET, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor originated at a depth of 10 km and was attributed to strike-slip faulting near the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates.
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Tsunami Threat Passes, Warning Lifted
Following the earthquake, the National Tsunami Warning Center issued an advisory cautioning that strong ocean currents and sea level fluctuations could pose a risk along coastal areas, beaches, and harbors. However, by 9:12 p.m. ET, the agency officially lifted the tsunami warning, confirming that the tsunami threat had passed.
“Unusual currents may be noticed in some areas,” the warning center stated. “Exercise normal caution.”
Just moments before the advisory was lifted, officials recorded a 1.2-inch tsunami wave near Isla Mujeres, a small island off the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. While the wave height was minimal, the agency emphasized that it served as evidence of tsunami activity triggered by the earthquake.
Fortunately, there was no tsunami danger reported for Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, or the continental United States.
Caribbean Earthquakes: A Pattern of Activity
According to USGS, large earthquakes are not uncommon in this region, as the Caribbean is located near seismic fault lines. In fact, quakes of 6.0 magnitude or higher have been recorded within 250 km of this event in recent decades.
A similar 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the same region on January 10, 2018, generating a small tsunami and causing minor damage.
“Luckily, the remote location of these earthquakes limits the potential for significant damage due to shaking,” USGS experts noted.
No Threat to the U.S. Atlantic or Gulf Coast
Despite the earthquake’s powerful intensity, experts confirmed that the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions were not at risk. Tsunami readings from affected areas were continuously monitored, and emergency response teams remained on standby.
Final Thoughts
While this Caribbean earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity, the quick response of warning systems ensured minimal impact. Scientists continue to study tectonic activity in the Caribbean to better predict and mitigate future threats.
Stay informed and always follow tsunami safety guidelines if you’re in a coastal area prone to seismic activity.
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