A powerful earthquake registering 7.6 in magnitude has struck the Caribbean Sea, prompting urgent tsunami alerts for various countries in the region, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake's epicenter is located approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Honduras and roughly 130 miles (209.2 kilometers) south-west of the Cayman Islands.
Among the nations affected, tsunami warnings have been issued for Colombia, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Cuba. The National Weather Service has also alerted the coastal areas of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, cautioning of "strong currents and waves dangerous to those in or very near water."
The USGS noted that significant earthquakes in this particular area of the tectonic plate boundary are not unusual. In 2018, a nearby 7.5-magnitude earthquake caused localized damage and resulting in a minor tsunami, but thanks to its remote location, potential damage from shaking this time may be limited. Nonetheless, officials emphasize public safety and preparedness in light of the developing situation in the region.
