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A7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands on Saturday evening, prompting tsunami advisories across the region, authorities said.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake occurred at 6:23 p.m. EST and was centered 130 miles (209 km) south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, at a depth of 6.2 miles (10 km).
Tsunami Advisories Issued
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued an advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while authorities in Haiti, Jamaica, Honduras, and the Bahamas urged coastal residents to move inland as a precaution.
The International Tsunami Information Center warned that hazardous tsunami waves could reach multiple countries within three hours, including:
- Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, Honduras, Bahamas, Haiti, Turks and Caicos
- San Andrés Providence, Belize, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico
- Costa Rica, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Saba
Precautionary Measures Taken
Authorities in the Cayman Islands issued a tsunami threat alert, urging residents to seek higher ground. In Honduras, officials reported no immediate damage, but warned the public to stay away from beaches for several hours.
In Haiti, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have advised coastal communities to remain alert for possible sea-level changes. No casualties or structural damage have been reported.
Earlier on February 8, a 3.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Le Lamentin, Martinique, at 2:54 a.m. local time. Though much weaker than the Caribbean quake, it was noted by seismologists monitoring aftershocks.
Ongoing Monitoring
Seismologists are assessing the risk of aftershocks and secondary hazards following the major earthquake. Authorities are advising residents in affected areas to:
- Follow official updates from local agencies
- Avoid beaches and low-lying coastal areas until the threat passes
- Be prepared for potential evacuations in case of rising water levels
While the earthquake raised tsunami concerns across the region, no major damage or injuries have been reported so far. Governments remain on high alert as they continue to evaluate the situation.
Cancellation of All Tsunami Alerts (Updated February 9, 2025)
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center has officially canceled all tsunami alerts issued after the magnitude 8.0 earthquake that struck near the Cayman Islands on Saturday. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the agency confirmed that the tsunami threat has passed and that there are no active alerts for the U.S. or international partners.However, the National Weather Service warned that unusual ocean currents may still be observed in some coastal areas.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) had reported the powerful quake, which occurred 202 kilometers southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. Following the tremor, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) initially issued tsunami alerts for coastal regions across more than a dozen Caribbean countries, including Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Panama, and Honduras. Authorities across the region continue to monitor conditions, but no major damages or casualties have been reported so far.
