Wasington, Feb 09, (V7N) - A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, triggering tsunami warnings for several coastal areas. The earthquake occurred approximately 130 miles (209 kilometers) off the coast of the Cayman Islands, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The US Tsunami Warning System initially issued alerts for potential tsunami waves as high as 10 feet (3 meters) in certain coastal areas of Cuba, while smaller waves of up to three feet were expected to hit the Cayman Islands and Honduras. The Cayman Islands government responded by urging residents in coastal areas to move inland to avoid possible dangers from the waves.
In an update, the US government monitoring agency later canceled all tsunami warnings for over a dozen countries, leaving only three alerts still in effect. Authorities emphasized that while the immediate tsunami threat had passed, “small sea level changes” could still occur.
The earthquake was recorded at a shallow depth by the USGS, which typically amplifies the impact of an earthquake. The tremor was felt in several parts of the Caribbean, including parts of Cuba and the Cayman Islands, leading to brief panic and heightened concerns about potential aftershocks.
While no immediate casualties have been reported, authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely and advise residents to stay alert to any additional changes in sea levels. Emergency response teams are also on standby in the affected areas to address any possible damage or injuries.
The quake adds to the growing concerns about seismic activity in the region, and authorities are urging continued vigilance in the face of aftershocks and potential secondary effects.
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