The Caribbean experienced a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake on Saturday evening, with its epicenter located approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands, at a depth of around 10 kilometers. The earthquake struck at 6:23 p.m. local time, triggering immediate tsunami advisories across several regions including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and parts of Central America. Authorities, including the CBS News, reported that the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued advisories detailing a potential tsunami threat.

The alert indicated that waves could reach 1-3 meters above tide levels along the coasts of Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands according to BBC. In addition, local officials urged residents to move inland from coastal areas as a precaution against possible tsunami waves, particularly in Cuba where emergency protocols were activated.

In the wake of the quake, the governor of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer González Colón, indicated she was in communication with emergency management services but did not recommend evacuations; however, residents were advised to exercise caution near the water due to expected strong currents as reported.

The National Weather Service noted that while initial advisories were issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, these were subsequently lifted. Concurrently, various islands around the Caribbean prepared for potential impact, highlighting the importance of readiness in the face of natural disasters according to AP News.

Reports suggest there have been no immediate damages or casualties as a result of the earthquake per the Los Angeles Times. Residents are being monitored, and various regions, including Honduras and the Bahamas, have heightened vigilance as additional seismic activity could trigger aftershocks.

Emergency management agencies continue to provide updates and advise coastal residents to maintain alertness as officials assess the situation reported by India Times.