Tsunami warnings lifted after 7.6-magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake jolted the Caribbean Sea on Saturday evening, prompting initial tsunami warnings that have since been canceled, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The earthquake struck approximately 20 miles (32.1 km) north of Honduras and 130 miles (209.2 km) south-west of the Cayman Islands. In the aftermath, the US Tsunami Warning System issued alerts for over a dozen countries, predicting waves could reach up to three meters (10 feet). However, these warnings were later rescinded as the threat subsided.

Advisories were also extended to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, which were subsequently canceled as well. The Cayman Islands government advised coastal residents to move inland in response to the seismic event.

As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of significant damage or movement on land. This earthquake marks the most powerful to hit the region since a 7.2-magnitude quake struck Haiti in 2021, as noted by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Approximately three hours after the initial quake, US authorities cautioned that “minor sea level fluctuations” of up to 30 cm (11.8 inches) might still occur, but they assured that any serious threats had passed.

The USGS indicated that large earthquakes are not uncommon in this area of the plate boundary, recalling a 7.5-magnitude quake in 2018 that caused some damage and a small tsunami. “Fortunately, the remote location of these earthquakes limits the potential for significant damage due to shaking,” the agency stated.

In a separate announcement, the US National Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed that there are currently no alerts for the mainland US coast.