7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Caribbean Sea, Triggers Tsunami Advisories

2025-03-01

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday evening, approximately 209 kilometers (130 miles) southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, which occurred at 6:23 p.m. EST at a depth of 10 kilometers, prompted tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, though no significant tsunami threat was reported for the U.S. mainland or Canada.

The National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) confirmed that forecasted water levels for the affected regions were expected to remain below 1 foot, with the earliest wave arrivals predicted within an hour of the quake. While the advisory warned of potential hazardous currents in coastal waters, officials emphasized that the risk of significant damage was low due to the earthquake’s remote location.

Over the past century, 10 earthquakes with magnitudes of six or larger have occurred within 250 kilometers of the epicenter. One such event in January 2018 caused minor damage and a small tsunami. The USGS noted that the remote location of these quakes typically limits the potential for widespread destruction.

Residents in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were advised to stay out of the water and away from shorelines as a precaution. Ángel Vázquez, director of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, urged the public to rely on official information and avoid spreading rumors during the initial uncertainty.

As of the latest updates, the tsunami advisory has been lifted, though officials cautioned that unusual currents might still be observed in some areas. No casualties or significant damage have been reported so far.

7.6-magnitude earthquake hits Caribbean Sea

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 shook the Caribbean Sea 209 kilometers southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, the United States Geological Su

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