Caribbean Earthquake Tsunami Warning Issued After Major Quake
A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on February 8, 2025, prompting tsunami warnings for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands. The quake, centered 130 miles southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, occurred at 6:23 p.m. ET, shaking the region along the boundary of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center initially urged coastal residents to evacuate beaches, harbors, and marinas, warning of “strong currents and dangerous waves”. Puerto Rico’s governor advised residents to avoid the water, particularly on the island’s west and south coasts.
Tsunami Warnings Lifted, Advisories Remain
By 9:00 p.m. ET, the tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands was canceled, though advisories persisted for Cuba (1–3 meter waves) and Honduras and the Cayman Islands (30 cm–1 meter waves). A minor 1.2-inch sea level rise was recorded off Mexico’s Isla Mujeres, confirming tsunami activity despite minimal impact.
The Cayman Islands government issued an “all clear” after no significant waves were observed, though officials had earlier urged coastal residents to move inland. “We are thankful no major damage has been reported,” said Cayman Islands Hazard Management Director Danielle Coleman.
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Why the Caribbean Earthquake Tsunami Threat Was Unusual
Tsunamis are rare in the Caribbean due to the region’s fault dynamics, which typically don’t displace large seawater volumes. However, the earthquake’s shallow depth (6 miles) near the Cayman Trough—a strike-slip fault dividing the North American and Caribbean plates—raised concerns.
This marked the strongest quake in the region since Haiti’s devastating 2021 7.2 magnitude tremor. While the U.S. Geological Survey noted “large earthquakes at this plate boundary are not unexpected,” the remote location likely prevented widespread damage.
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Public Response and Historical Context
Emergency alerts sparked swift action. In Puerto Rico, authorities closed beaches and evacuated ports, while Cuba’s western provinces reported light shaking. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center emphasized that advisories signal “strong currents,” not catastrophic flooding.
Historically, only 10 significant earthquake-generated tsunamis have occurred in the Caribbean over 500 years. The most recent, a 2018 7.5 magnitude quake near Honduras, caused minor damage and a small tsunami.
Current Status and Safety Precautions
As of February 10, 2025, all tsunami warnings have been lifted, though the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center advises coastal communities to monitor for “unusual currents”. Aftershocks may continue for months, though they’re expected to weaken over time.
The Caribbean earthquake tsunami warning underscores the importance of preparedness in a region prone to seismic activity. While this event passed without major harm, it serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictable power.
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