A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake shook the Caribbean Sea, raising alarms across the region and triggering concerns about a possible tsunami. The tremor struck waters between Honduras and the Cayman Islands, leaving residents and travelers anxious as authorities quickly assessed the risks and urged coastal communities to stay alert.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake was strong enough to be felt across parts of the Caribbean. Officials initially warned several areas about potential tsunami impacts. The epicenter was located about 20 miles north of Honduras and roughly 130 miles southwest of the Cayman Islands, with the quake occurring at 18:23 local time.
Emergency agencies reacted quickly. Authorities in the Cayman Islands advised people living near the coast to move inland and avoid beaches, ports, and bays. Residents were urged to leave the water and follow official guidance while the situation was being monitored.
Some regions were later cleared of immediate danger. The National Weather Service announced: “Tsunami Advisory for Puerto Rico and the American virgin islands have been canceled. Although the warning has ended, strong and unusual currents may persist. Attention near water.” While those territories were considered safe, warnings remained for other parts of the region.
Officials said the tsunami threat continued for Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands. Waves in Cuba were estimated to potentially reach 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels, while Honduras and the Cayman Islands could see waves up to 1 meter. No threats or warnings were issued for the United States.
The earthquake was the strongest in the region since the 7.2-magnitude quake that struck Haiti in 2021. Although the situation continued to be monitored, authorities stressed that the event highlights the unpredictable nature of seismic activity in the Caribbean and urged people in coastal areas to remain cautious and follow official safety guidance.