Powerful 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes the Caribbean

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, southwest of the Cayman Islands, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The earthquake occurred at a depth of just 10 kilometers and had its epicenter 209 kilometers south-southwest of George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands. The tremor was felt in various parts of the Caribbean, causing concern in the region.

Tsunami warning: issued and later canceled

After the earthquake, the United States Tsunami Warning System issued an alert about possible waves between one and three meters in different Caribbean nations. However, hours later, the warning was canceled.

Notable quake, preliminary info: M 8.0 – 202 km SW of George Town, Cayman Islands https://t.co/01xIWIdipO

— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) February 8, 2025

The Government of the Cayman Islands confirmed that there was no longer a tsunami risk, ensuring that the three main islands of the archipelago —Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman— were out of danger.

Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.6 – 209 km SSW of George Town, Cayman Islands https://t.co/uIdsEybY34

— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) February 8, 2025

Authorities urge calm

Danielle Coleman, director of Risk Management for the Cayman Islands, reassured the public.

“This was a major earthquake, and we are grateful that it has not caused significant damage to our islands. We urge people to remain calm and follow updates from official government and HMCI channels.”

Other affected countries

The earthquake also triggered a tsunami warning in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, but like in the Cayman Islands, the warning was later canceled.

The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) announced on its X account that the alert for the Dominican Republic had been canceled.

Attention…
THE DOMINICAN INSTITUTE OF METEOROLOGY (INDOMET) cancels the preliminary tsunami warning issued for the Dominican Republic. pic.twitter.com/tiJ25sMWdx

— Instituto Dominicano de Meteorología (@ONAMET_RDO) February 9, 2025

Concerns in Cuba and Honduras

Although the warning was canceled in some countries, Cuba and Honduras were identified as the territories with the highest risk of impact from a possible tsunami.

The National Seismology Center of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) conducted an analysis to assess the threat and confirmed that there was no immediate danger for the Dominican Republic.

Recommendations for the public

Despite the cancellation of the warning, authorities have issued safety recommendations for those living in coastal areas:

• Stay away from the sea and avoid entering the water.
• Avoid navigation, fishing, and recreational activities in the ocean.
• Exercise caution with ocean currents, which could remain dangerous for several hours.
• Follow instructions from official agencies, such as the Emergency Operations Center (COE).

These currents can pose a significant danger, being one of the leading causes of drownings and damage to maritime infrastructure such as docks and breakwaters.