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Major Caribbean earthquake triggers tsunami alerts Tsunami alerts cancelled after 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Caribbean
(about 4 hours later)
The United States Geological Survey showed a map of the location of the earthquake -The United States Geological Survey showed a map of the location of the earthquake -
A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake has struck the Caribbean Sea triggering tsunami warnings for a number of countries, the US Geological Survey (USGS) has said. Tsunami warnings issued after a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake rocked the Caribbean Sea have been cancelled, the US Geological Survey (USGS) has said.
Officials say the earthquake's epicentre is about 20 miles (32.1km) north of Honduras and 130 miles (209.2km) south-west of the Cayman Islands. Officials say the earthquake's epicentre was about 20 miles (32.1km) north of Honduras and 130 miles (209.2km) south-west of the Cayman Islands when it struck on Saturday evening local time.
A number of tsunami alerts have been issued for the region including the coast of Colombia, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Cuba. The US Tsunami Warning System had initially issued warnings to more than a dozen of countries - including waves of up to three metres (10ft). But, it later said the threat had passed.
The National Weather Service initially sent out a tsunami advisory for potential hazards for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands - but this alert was cancelled about 45 minutes after it was issued. Advisories were also issued by the Tsunami Warning System for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands following the earthquake - which were both also later cancelled.
"While alerts have ended, strong and unusual currents may continue. Be careful near the water and use caution," the National Tsunami Warning Centre said. The Cayman Islands government had warned residents of coastal areas to move inland in a message on its website.
"Refer to the latest information from local emergency management." It is unclear if there has been any movement or damage on land.
But, the Cayman Islands' government has warned residents it remains "under a tsunami threat". The quake was the biggest to hit the region since 2021, when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
"Residents living near the coastline are encouraged to move inland." About three hours after the earthquake, US authorities warned that "minor sea level fluctuations" of up to 30cm (11.8 inches) could still occur, but that any serious threat had passed.
The USGS said large earthquakes at this location of the plate boundary are not unexpected.The USGS said large earthquakes at this location of the plate boundary are not unexpected.
In 2018 a 7.5-magnitude earthquake occurred nearby, causing some damage and a small tsunami, it said.In 2018 a 7.5-magnitude earthquake occurred nearby, causing some damage and a small tsunami, it said.
"Luckily, the remote location of these earthquakes limits the potential for significant damage due to shaking," it added."Luckily, the remote location of these earthquakes limits the potential for significant damage due to shaking," it added.
Separately, the US National Tsunami Warning Centre said there are no alerts for the mainland US coast.Separately, the US National Tsunami Warning Centre said there are no alerts for the mainland US coast.