Tsunami Warning As 7.6-magnitude Earthquake Strikes In Major Travel Destination
|A massive 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean on Saturday, just north of Honduras, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ).
The US Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at 6:23 p.m. EST. In response, the US Tsunami Warning System initially issued advisories for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
However, at 8:13 p.m., the National Weather Service in San Juan canceled the tsunami advisory for the affected regions.
GFZ initially estimated the earthquake’s magnitude at 6.89 but later confirmed it to be stronger, occurring at a depth of 6.21 miles.
Following the quake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued multiple alerts, including one covering the Caribbean Sea and the region north of Honduras.
Although a tsunami warning was briefly in place for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, it was later lifted due to concerns that sea level fluctuations and strong currents could still pose risks to coastal areas, harbors, and beaches.
Moving out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets is still urged for residents of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The story is still evolving.