Strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake strikes Caribbean Sea

(Web Desk): A strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands on Saturday, according to the US Geological Survey.

The quake struck at 6:23 p.m. local time, about 130 miles (209 km) south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. It had a depth of 10 kilometers.

The US National Tsunami Warning Center first issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands but later canceled it, with no threat to the US mainland. In Puerto Rico's northwest region, alarms sounded, causing mass evacuations from coastal areas and heavy traffic.

The Cayman Islands' Hazard Management advised residents to move inland and to higher ground. Waves of 0.3 to 1 meter were expected. In Cuba, the government told people to leave beachfront areas, while the Dominican Republic advised moving to higher ground, at least 20 meters up and 2 km inland. However, this warning was eventually lifted.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology also issued a tsunami advisory and urged residents to stay alert. Authorities in Honduras reported no immediate damage but advised staying away from beaches.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned that tsunami waves up to 1 to 3 meters could hit some areas of Cuba, although wave heights may vary depending on local conditions.

Local governments in affected areas are closely working with emergency teams and monitoring the situation as aftershocks may still occur.