A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitudes on the Richter scale struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, February 8, 2025. This prompted widespread tsunami alerts across the region. The tremor occurred at 6:23 pm local time, with its epicentre located roughly 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Island. Here are all of the other important details that you would need to know about this particular earthquake in the Caribbean.
7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Hits The Caribbean Sea
According to an article that was recently published by The Times Of India or the TOI, the earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of ten kilometres. In response to the seismic event, the US Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration swiftly issued tsunami warnings.
The Cayman Islands government took immediate action, alerting coastal residents to move inland, whilst Honduran authorities implemented similar precautionary measures, directing citizens away from beach areas. The potential impact zone for tsunami waves spans a significant portion of the Caribbean basin.
The International Tsunami Information Center identified numerous coastal areas at risk within a three-hour window, including Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, Honduras, and various island nations. The Dominican Republic, Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica were also placed on high alert.
What Regions May Be Impacted By The Tsunami?
Even the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) and several other territories were alerted. Whilst the US mainland remains unaffected, American territories in the Caribbean, specifically Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, were issued tsunami advisories.
The Bahamas, Haiti, and Belize continue to face potential tsunami threats, according to New York Post reports. In a remarkable historical parallel, this earthquake occurred on the same date as the catastrophic 1843 Guadeloupe earthquake.
It registered an estimated magnitude of 8.5 and resulted in extensive devastation throughout the Caribbean region. As of the initial reports, no casualties or significant damage have been confirmed. However, local authorities across the affected regions maintain vigilant monitoring of the situation, emphasising the importance of following official guidance.
The shallow depth of the earthquake, combined with its significant magnitude, has necessitated a coordinated regional response to ensure public safety, particularly in vulnerable coastal areas.
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