Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Strikes Caribbean, Tsunami Advisory Issued Then Lifted

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands — A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the western Caribbean late Saturday, prompting a tsunami advisory for the Cayman Islands. The tremor occurred at 6:23 p.m. ET at a depth of approximately 6 miles, about 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The Cayman Islands government’s hazard management agency initially warned of the earthquake’s potential tsunami threat, urging coastal residents to move inland. However, an “all clear” was issued less than two hours later, confirming that no tsunami was observed.

Danielle Coleman, director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands, expressed relief, stating, “This was a large earthquake and we are thankful that no major damage has been reported across our islands.”

In the immediate aftermath of the quake, the agency described tsunamis as deceptively powerful. They can appear small in height but generate waves up to 50-60 miles wide, which can cause significant destruction. The warning advised residents of the signs of an impending tsunami, notably a rapidly receding sea.

Initially, a tsunami warning for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands was also issued but was later canceled. Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón cautioned residents to stay out of the water, especially in coastal areas most vulnerable to waves, stating, “Although no major impact event is anticipated, as a safety precaution no one should be in the water until further notice.”

The USGS originally reported the quake at a magnitude of 8.0, but later corrected it to a magnitude of 7.6. According to their analysis, the quake was attributed to strike-slip faulting near the boundary of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. The region has experienced a total of 10 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater in the last century.

“Luckily, the remote location of these earthquakes limits the potential for significant damage due to shaking,” stated the USGS. There were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage in the Cayman Islands or neighboring regions.

The earthquake’s occurrence places it amid a historical context, with past incidents also recognized for causing minor tsunamis and damage. Most notably, a magnitude-7.5 quake on Jan. 10, 2018, caused some damage in the region.

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that there were no active threats following the initial advisory, indicating that any potential tsunami waves expected along the coasts of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands would likely be less than 1 foot, and any impacts on Cuba would measure between 3 and 10 feet.