7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Caribbean, Tsunami Advisories Issued

2025-03-01

A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the western Caribbean Sea on Saturday evening, February 8, 2025, triggering brief tsunami advisories for several regions before they were later canceled. The quake occurred at approximately 6:23 p.m. Eastern Time, with its epicenter located about 129 miles southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, and 372 miles west of Kingston, Jamaica, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake originated at a depth of about 6 miles below ground, near the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates.

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands, warning of potential dangerous waves or currents. Similar alerts were issued for Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands, where local authorities urged residents to move inland and avoid coastal waters. However, by late Saturday night, all tsunami alerts and threats were lifted as no significant waves were observed. The Cayman Islands Hazard Management Agency confirmed an “all clear” for its territories, reporting no major damage or injuries.

Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón advised residents to stay out of the water as a precaution, particularly along the island’s west and south coasts. Experts noted that tsunamis can be deceptively powerful, with waves as small as 1.5 feet capable of causing significant damage due to their wide reach and strong currents. The USGS emphasized that while large earthquakes in this region are not uncommon, the remote location of this quake limited its potential for widespread damage.

This event marks the latest in a series of significant seismic activities in the Caribbean, with 10 magnitude-6 or greater earthquakes recorded in the area over the past century. The USGS highlighted that the 2018 magnitude-7.5 earthquake in the region caused some damage and a small tsunami, underscoring the ongoing seismic risks in the area. Fortunately, this latest quake resulted in no reported casualties or major destruction.

Powerful earthquake in Caribbean triggers brief tsunami alerts, no reports of significant damage

The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred Saturday around 6:23 p.m. Eastern Time with an epicenter about 129 miles southwe

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Tracking a Potential Tsunami in the Caribbean

Monitor warnings and predicted arrival times for the ocean wave.

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