Massive 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Cayman Islands, Triggers Tsunami Warning

An enormous earthquake struck the Caribbean Saturday night, triggering tsunami warnings for the area and past.

On Saturday evening at 6:23 EST, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter 130 miles from the Cayman Islands, rattled the area. The sturdy quake, initially believed to be an 8.0 magnitude however later downgraded by the USGS, was felt in George City.

Aftershocks have been skilled following the earthquake.

With a depth of roughly six miles underneath the ocean, the quake prompted tsunami warnings for several countries. The nations embody:

• Haiti
• Belize
• Bahamas
• Columbia
• Aruba
• Costa Rica
• Cuba
• Panama
• Dominican Republic
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Mexico
• Guatemala
• Nicaragua
• Jamaica

A tsunami advisory was made for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

There have been no experiences of accidents.

Menace Of Tsunami Is Low, Regardless of Measurement Of Earthquake

As a result of the earthquake was so shallow underneath the floor of the ocean, the specter of a tsunami in any of the nations with warnings or advisories is low. It is because, according to Matthew Cappucci, an atmospheric scientist, the earthquake was attributable to a fast slipped plate, versus large motion.

“It was shallow, with a depth of barely 7 miles. This was a lateral “strike slip” quake; minimal up/down movement, so very low tsunami menace.” – Matthew Cappucci

Regardless of the advisories and warnings for the US, the National Weather Service was quick to point out that there was no threat to both the US or Canada.

“There isn’t any tsunami hazard for the U.S. east coast, the Gulf of Mexico states, or the japanese coast of Canada.” – Nationwide Climate Service

Nevertheless, each Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands remain under advisory.

“Earthquakes of this dimension are identified to generate tsunamis harmful to shorelines close to the supply,” the Nationwide Climate Service stated in its Tsunami Message. “The earliest estimated time that hazardous sea degree fluctuations and robust ocean currents might start in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands is 9:48 p.m. AST on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.”

“Actions to guard human life… security and property must be taken instantly,” the Tsunami Message went on to say.

“The era of tsunami waves had not but been confirmed. Monitoring is underway to additional consider the tsunami menace.” – Nationwide Climate Service

Although the chances are small {that a} tsunami would type, these messages are despatched out from the Nationwide Climate Service after 4 of essentially the most harmful tsunamis struck in lower than 10 years, inflicting lack of life and property.

The most massive tsunamis to occur embody:

• 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
• 2009 Samoa tsunami
• 2010 Chile tsunami
• 2011 Tohoku, Japan tsunami

After these tsunamis occurred, it was clear that warnings and advisories had been put into place in order that there was a chance for individuals to get to greater floor within the occasion of an enormous tsunami. Whereas property loss might not be capable of be mitigated, the lack of life can.

Second Earthquake To Rattle Cayman Islands In 24 Hours

The earthquake on Saturday possible has many within the Caribbean on edge. Nevertheless, that is the second earthquake felt on the Cayman Islands in George City in lower than 24 hours. Consequently, the city is on edge, particularly with aftershocks being felt within the area.

On Friday at 3:22 EST, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake was felt in George Town. The epicenter of that earthquake was simply over 42 miles from George City, situated six miles underneath the ocean.

It’s unclear if each earthquakes are on the identical fault line or contain the identical plates. There additionally was no tsunami warning triggered by the quake.

Advisories have been put out that aftershocks might proceed for a number of days after the newest earthquake. In all probability, the tsunami warnings will expire, however they’re a very good reminder to know the place evacuation zones are in order that if a big tsunami wave does happen, residents of coastal areas and islands can get to security shortly.