A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 hit the Caribbean Sea on February 8, 2025, shaking areas about 200 km south of the Cayman Islands.
The quake occurred 10 km beneath the Earth’s surface, leading the National Weather Service (NWS) Tsunami Warning System to issue tsunami alerts for several coastal areas. The warnings covered Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, Honduras, Bahamas, San Andres and Providencia, Belize, Haiti, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.
Tsunami Waves Detected
According to the NWS, small tsunami waves have already been observed in the affected areas.
Experts warn that earthquakes of this magnitude often create dangerous tsunamis near the quake’s epicenter, potentially threatening coastal regions.
Tsunami Alerts Updated
Although many of the warnings have been lifted, some areas remain at risk. Waves measuring 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels could reach parts of Cuba’s coastline, while waves between 0.3 and 1 meter above normal tide levels may impact the Cayman Islands and Honduras.
Authorities also issued tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, but these were removed shortly after.
Minimal Damage Reported
Since the earthquake occurred far offshore, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Experts confirm that there is no tsunami threat to the Gulf of Mexico or the Eastern Seaboard.
