Caribbean Earthquake Sparks Tsunami Alerts, But Minimal Wave Risk Confirmed

Over the weekend, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale jolted the Caribbean region, leading to initial tsunami alerts for a dozen islands. The US Tsunami Warning System first warned more than twelve countries, predicting waves that could reach up to three metres, but later confirmed that the danger had subsided. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were also placed under advisories that were subsequently lifted, as efforts to monitor the situation continued.

Authorities, including the National Weather Service, emphasized that earthquakes of this magnitude and proximity can sometimes produce hazardous shore-breaking waves. An extensive watch list was compiled, covering nations ranging from Colombia and Haiti to Costa Rica and Cuba, all of which felt tremors originating approximately 209 km southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands.

Amid the initial alarm, atmospheric scientist Matthew Cappucci reassured the public by pointing out that the earthquake was shallow, occurring at a depth of about seven miles. He explained that the event was a strike-slip quake, which involves primarily horizontal movement with limited vertical displacement, thereby significantly reducing the risk of generating a large, destructive tsunami.