A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale has struck in the Caribbean Sea, positioned between the popular holiday destinations of Honduras and the Cayman Islands. This significant geological event has prompted a tsunami alert, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

A tsunami warning has been issued for the Cayman Islands, while officials have stated that areas such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are not at risk. According to a statement released on X, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced, “The Tsunami Advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands is now canceled. While alerts have ended, strong and unusual currents may continue. Be careful near the water and use caution.”

The earthquake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, with its epicenter determined to be located approximately 20 miles north of Honduras and 130 miles southwest of the Cayman Islands, as detailed by the USGS in their report.

The Cayman Islands Hazard Management Agency has issued a public statement confirming the tsunami threat, urging residents near the coastline to evacuate to safer inland areas. They emphasize the importance of staying clear of harbors, bays, and marinas, and to refrain from entering the water for safety reasons.

This earthquake marks the largest in the region since Haiti faced a devastating 7.2 magnitude quake back in 2021, underscoring the potential for natural disasters in these vulnerable areas.

As of 8:23 p.m., the NWS reported that a tsunami threat remains in place for Cuba, where waves may rise between 1 to 3 meters above regular tides. For Honduras and the Cayman Islands, waves could reach up to 0.3 to 1 meter above the tide level. However, no threats or alerts have been issued for the United States.