A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck between Honduras and the Cayman Islands on Saturday evening, prompting a Tsunami Advisory for Puerto Rico and nearby islands. Although no significant damage was reported, authorities warned of potential sea-level fluctuations and strong ocean currents, which could be hazardous for boaters and beachgoers.

Earthquake Details and Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake’s epicentre was more than 100 miles southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands. Despite the massive quake, there were no immediate reports of damage in the affected regions.

According to the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC), the most significant sea-level rise was recorded on Isla Mujeres, a Mexican island off the Yucatán Peninsula, where the water level increased by 1.2 inches. While this may seem minor, it was still classified as a tsunami event.

Widespread Shaking Felt Across the Caribbean

Residents across the Caribbean region, including the Yucatán Peninsula, Nicaragua, Honduras, and southern Cuba, reported feeling light tremors. However, emergency management agencies in Central America and the Caribbean confirmed that there were no injuries or major destruction.

The fault line responsible for the earthquake, known as the Cayman Trough, is a tectonic boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates. While aftershocks can continue for months or even years, they are usually weaker than the main earthquake.

Are Tsunamis Common in the Caribbean?

Unlike other earthquake-prone regions, tsunamis are relatively rare in the Caribbean because most fault lines do not displace large volumes of water. However, historical records indicate at least 10 significant tsunami events in the past 500 years.

Previous Major Earthquakes in the Caribbean

The Caribbean has experienced several devastating earthquakes in the past:

• 2021: A 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit southern Haiti, damaging infrastructure but sparing Port-au-Prince from significant destruction.
• 2010: A catastrophic 7.0-magnitude quake struck Haiti, killing over 200,000 people, due to its shallow depth and proximity to the capital.
• 2020: A 7.7-magnitude earthquake off Jamaica’s coast was felt from Central America to South Florida, but no major damage was reported.

Preparedness and Safety Measures

Authorities continue to monitor the Caribbean tectonic activity and urge residents in coastal areas to remain cautious. Boaters, fishermen, and beach visitors should follow safety advisories in case of further sea-level disturbances.

While the Tsunami Advisory has been lifted, experts warn that aftershocks could continue, and residents should stay vigilant for further seismic activity.