A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands on Saturday at 6:23 p.m. local time, eliciting emergency responses across several nations. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the epicenter was located approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, with a depth of about 10 kilometers (AP News).

In reaction to the seismic event, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued advisories for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands, which were subsequently cancelled two hours after being issued. Meanwhile, a tsunami threat remained in effect for Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands. Officials estimated potential wave heights of 1 to 3 meters could occur along the Cuban coast, while the Cayman and Honduran coasts were warned of waves up to 1 meter (BBC).

Emergency management officials in the Cayman Islands advised residents along the coast to move inland to higher ground, while local media reported heavy traffic as people attempted to evacuate coastal areas. However, Puerto Rican Governor Jenniffer González Colón assured residents that no immediate evacuations were necessary in response to the advisories. Importantly, there have been no reports of damage or injuries associated with the quake as of now (CNN).

The National Weather Service noted that the risk of tsunami waves reaching the U.S. mainland was negligible, confirming that the most significant risk rested with those islands directly impacted by the earthquake. “While the tsunami threat has passed, strong and unusual currents may still pose risks to beachgoers,” the National Tsunami Warning Center stated (Los Angeles Times).

As the situation develops, authorities are maintaining communication with emergency responders, urging residents to stay informed and vigilant (The Independent).

More information can be found through official channels, and updates will continue to be provided as they come in, especially concerning sea-level fluctuations and potential aftershocks following this significant tremor.

For regular updates and further details, check CBS News.