Tsunami warnings that followed a significant 7.6-magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean Sea have been lifted, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
According to officials, the earthquake’s epicentre was located approximately 20 miles (32.1 km) north of Honduras and 130 miles (209.2 km) southwest of the Cayman Islands on Sunday evening.
The US Tsunami Warning System alerted over a dozen countries, predicting waves could reach up to three meters (10 feet). However, it subsequently reported that the threat had subsided.
Following the earthquake, advisories were issued by the Tsunami Warning System for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, though these alerts were subsequently cancelled.
The Cayman Islands government warned residents living in coastal regions, advising them to relocate inland, as stated on its official website.
The current situation regarding any potential movement or damage on land remains uncertain.
The recent earthquake marks the most significant seismic event to impact the region since 2021, when Haiti experienced a 7.2 magnitude quake, as the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported.
Approximately three hours following the earthquake, US authorities issued a warning indicating that “minor sea level fluctuations” of up to 30cm (11.8 inches) could still occur; however, they assured that any significant threat had subsided.
The USGS has indicated that significant earthquakes in this area of the plate boundary are not surprising.
According to reports, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the area in 2018, resulting in notable damage and triggering a minor tsunami.
“Fortunately, the isolated nature of these earthquakes reduces the likelihood of considerable damage resulting from the shaking,” it stated.
The US National Tsunami Warning Centre has confirmed no alerts for the mainland US coast.
