A strong earthquake shook the Caribbean Sea, leading to temporary tsunami warnings for nearby countries. The 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Saturday evening, according to reports from U.S. monitoring agencies. Because of the potential danger, people living near the coast were advised to be cautious.
The earthquake’s center was about 130 miles north of Honduras, putting it close to the Cayman Islands. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake happened at a shallow depth of about 6 miles. Due to this shallow depth, there was more shaking on land, initially increasing the risk of a tsunami.
Following the earthquake, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami alert for the Caribbean Sea and areas north of Honduras. These warnings led to concern, and some people in coastal areas were asked to leave their homes as a precaution. Officials advised everyone to stay away from beaches and low-lying areas until the threat passed.
Eventually, the tsunami warnings were canceled as it became clear that a large tsunami would not occur. However, this event reminds everyone that the region is at risk for earthquakes and tsunamis. The Caribbean is located in a tectonically active zone, which means that earthquakes are relatively common.
“We are watching the situation carefully,” stated a spokesperson for the U.S. Tsunami Warning System. They added that their goal is “to ensure the safety of coastal communities.” Although this earthquake didn’t cause a major tsunami, it served as an important reminder to be prepared.