Sun Feb 09 02:00:18 UTC 2025: ## Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Shakes Caribbean, Tsunami Advisories Issued
**Mexico City, February 9, 2025** – A powerful magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands on Saturday, February 8th, prompting tsunami advisories and evacuations across several islands and countries. The quake, which hit at 6:23 pm local time at a depth of 10 kilometers, had its epicenter approximately 209 kilometers south-southwest of George Town.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while assuring the U.S. mainland was not under threat. However, several Caribbean nations took precautionary measures. The Cayman Islands urged coastal residents to move inland to higher ground, anticipating waves between 0.3 and 1 meter. The Dominican Republic issued a similar alert, advising coastal residents to evacuate to areas more than 20 meters above sea level and 2 kilometers inland, and urging ships to avoid the area. Cuba also requested residents to leave beachfront areas. Honduras reported no immediate damage but advised citizens to stay away from beaches.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) later projected tsunami waves reaching 1 to 3 meters above tide level along some Cuban coasts, with smaller waves (0.3 to 1 meter) possible for parts of Honduras and the Cayman Islands. The NOAA cautioned that actual wave heights may vary due to forecasting uncertainties and local geographical factors. While Puerto Rico’s governor reported contact with emergency agencies, no widespread evacuations were ordered there. The situation remains fluid, with authorities continuing to monitor the situation and provide updates.
First Piper 