Mexico City: A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands on Saturday, prompting tsunami advisories and evacuation warnings in several regions.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, with an epicenter 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center clarified that there was no tsunami threat to the U.S. mainland but issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Evacuation Warnings Across Caribbean Nations

  • Cayman Islands: Hazard Management Cayman Islands urged coastal residents to move inland and to higher ground, expecting waves between 0.3 and 1 meter.
  • Puerto Rico: Governor Jenniffer González Colón confirmed that emergency agencies were monitoring the situation, though no immediate evacuations were advised.
  • Dominican Republic: Authorities issued a tsunami alert, advising residents in coastal areas to relocate to higher ground (above 20 meters in altitude and 2 kilometers inland) and warning ships to avoid entering the sea.
  • Cuba: The government instructed people to evacuate beachfront areas as a precaution.
  • Honduras: No immediate damage was reported, but officials urged residents to stay away from beaches.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) later reported that tsunami waves between 1 and 3 meters above tide level were possible along parts of Cuba's coast. Smaller waves of 0.3 to 1 meter were forecast for the Honduran and Cayman Islands coasts.

"Actual wave heights may vary due to uncertainties in forecasting and local coastal conditions," NOAA noted.

Authorities across the Caribbean continue to monitor the situation and assess potential impacts. AP