People across the Caribbean were sent into panic Saturday evening when a massive 7.6-magnitude earthquake shook the region. The quake struck just 130 miles southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands around 6:23 p.m. local time. With a depth of just 10 kilometers, the shaking was intense enough to be felt across multiple countries.
“I was sitting in my living room when everything started swaying. My heart was racing. It felt like forever,” said one resident in the Cayman Islands.
The tremor was so strong that it set off immediate tsunami warnings across several nations, including Puerto Rico, Cuba, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. Authorities wasted no time urging people in coastal areas to move to higher ground, fearing a sudden and powerful wave.
Evacuations and Chaos as Tsunami Alerts Sound
In Puerto Rico, roads quickly became jammed as people tried to flee to safety. Fearing the worst, some family hurried out of their houses, grabbing whatever they could. We simply ran. Not even anything was taken with us. In times like those, you just go without thinking,” a Puerto Rican resident said.
People were warned of potential tsunami waves by emergency alerts that blared throughout cities. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center initially issued an advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, cautioning that waves up to three feet could hit the coast.
Hours later, relief swept over many as the tsunami warning was canceled. Although officials acknowledged that the threat was passed, they cautioned locals that powerful currents might still pose a threat.
Damage Reports and What Comes Next
There were no reports of significant damage or serious injuries right away, despite the anxiety and bewilderment. Experts argue that because the earthquake occurred offshore, a land-based catastrophe was probably avoided. However, officials are closely monitoring the situation and caution that in the days ahead, aftershocks may occur.
For now, Caribbean residents are taking a big breath and feeling thankful that the worst appears to have been avoided. However, those who experienced the tremors of the earth beneath their feet will remember this night for a long time.