Is There a Tsunami Warning for the U.S. Coast After the Caribbean Earthquake?

Is There A Tsunami Warning For US Coast After Caribbean Earthquake

A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday evening, February 8, 2025, triggering tsunami warnings for parts of the region. The quake’s epicenter was 130 miles (209 km) south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). While some Caribbean nations implemented emergency evacuations, many in the United States are wondering: Is there a tsunami threat to the U.S. mainland?

Learn more: Massive 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes the Caribbean, Tsunami Warning Issued

Tsunami Warnings in the Caribbean: Which Areas Are Affected?

Although the U.S. mainland is not at risk, authorities in the Caribbean responded swiftly to the tsunami threat. The Cayman Islands, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras were among the nations taking precautionary measures.

Cuba: Evacuations Ordered

• The Cuban Meteorological Institute predicted tsunami waves between 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) along parts of the island’s coastline.
• The government ordered evacuations in coastal cities, including Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo.
• Residents were instructed to move at least 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) inland to avoid potential flooding.

Cayman Islands: Urgent Evacuation Measures

• Officials warned of waves up to 1 meter (3 feet) above normal sea level.
• Residents in coastal areas were urged to move inland and seek higher ground.

Dominican Republic: Coastal Warnings

• The Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE) advised coastal communities to relocate to higher ground as a precaution.
• Waves ranging from 0.3 to 1 meter (1 to 3 feet) were anticipated.

Honduras & Puerto Rico: Heightened Awareness

• Honduran authorities advised people to stay away from beaches for at least six hours.
• Puerto Rico’s emergency agencies initially received a tsunami advisory, but this was later canceled after no significant waves were detected.

Why Is There No Tsunami Warning for the U.S. Mainland?

no threat to the U.S. Atlantic or Gulf Coast after the quake

Tectonic Factors and Tsunami Behavior

The Caribbean earthquake occurred due to strike-slip faulting, meaning the tectonic plates moved horizontally rather than vertically displacing the seafloor. This type of movement does not generate large tsunami waves like subduction earthquakes, where one tectonic plate forces another downward, causing a massive uplift of water.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and NOAA’s Tsunami Warning Center, the energy released was not enough to cause a tsunami across the Atlantic Ocean or affect the U.S. coastline.

Monitoring by U.S. Authorities

Despite the lack of an immediate threat, U.S. agencies continue to monitor for aftershocks or secondary seismic activity that could impact coastal regions. Residents along the U.S. East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and West Coast are advised to stay informed through official alerts from:

• NOAA Tsunami Warning Center (www.tsunami.gov)
• The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS)
• Local emergency management agencies

The Geological Survey stated that "large earthquakes in this region of the plate boundary are not uncommon," noting that seismic activity of magnitude 6.0 or higher has been recorded within 250 kilometers of the recent quake throughout the 21st century. The agency also referenced a 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck on January 10, 2018, which resulted in some structural damage and generated a minor tsunami, according to the USGS.

7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Near Cayman Islands: Key Updates

• A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, on Saturday at 6:23 p.m. ET.
• The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Strong ocean currents and fluctuating sea levels may pose hazards along coastal areas.
• The earliest potential tsunami impact in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands was projected for 8:48 p.m. ET.
• As of now, no tsunami waves have been confirmed, and officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
• Residents are advised to avoid beaches, harbors, marinas, and coastal waters until further notice.

Current Status and What Comes Next?

As of now:

No tsunami warnings remain active for the U.S. mainland.

No reports of casualties or major damage from the earthquake.

The Caribbean region remains on alert for aftershocks and potential secondary earthquakes.

Experts remind residents in earthquake-prone coastal areas to always have an emergency plan in place. While this event does not pose a direct threat to the U.S., it highlights the importance of preparedness for future seismic activity.

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