A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 was recorded 129 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, at 6:23 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, according to the USGS. The quake, occurring in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, had a depth of 10 kilometres. Its epicentre was located 209 kilometres south-southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands.

Tsunami Advisory Issued for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

The US National Tsunami Warning Center reported that, while there was no tsunami threat to the US mainland, a tsunami advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The NTWC stated, "Based on all available data, there is a tsunami threat to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents could be a hazard along coasts, beaches, in harbours and in coastal waters."

Precautionary Measures Across the Region

Authorities in several Caribbean nations and Honduras advised residents in coastal areas to take precautions. The Cayman Islands government issued an alert, urging its citizens via social media to move inland. "Residents living near the coastline are encouraged to move inland," the government stated.

Honduran authorities reported no immediate damage but warned residents to stay away from beaches for the next several hours as a precaution, according to local media.

Tsunami Risk Extends to Multiple Countries

The International Tsunami Information Center stated, "Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within the next three hours along some coasts of Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, Honduras, Bahamas, Haiti, Turks and Caicos, San Andres Providence, Belize, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands and Saba."

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and advise the public to remain vigilant, avoiding coastal areas until further updates are provided.