A notable 7.6-magnitude earthquake has occurred in the Caribbean Sea, prompting tsunami alerts across various nations. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake's epicenter was located approximately 20 miles (32.1 km) north of Honduras and 130 miles (209.2 km) south-west of the Cayman Islands.
In response to this seismic event, a series of tsunami alerts have been issued for the region, affecting coastal areas of Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. Initially, the National Weather Service also issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands; however, this alert was retracted about 45 minutes after being announced.
Despite the cancellation of some alerts, the National Tsunami Warning Centre cautioned the public to remain vigilant, stating, "While alerts have ended, strong and unusual currents may continue. Be careful near the water and use caution."
The Cayman Islands government has advised its residents that they are still "under a tsunami threat," urging those living near coastlines to evacuate and move inland for safety.
The USGS indicated that large earthquakes in this area are not uncommon, detailing that a similar 7.5-magnitude quake occurred nearby in 2018, which resulted in minor damage and a small tsunami. The agency reassured that the remote location of this latest earthquake reduces the potential for severe damage due to the shaking.
On a related note, the US National Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed that no tsunami alerts are currently in effect for the mainland United States.
