A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean, southwest of the Cayman Islands

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean on February 9, 2025, with its epicenter located approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. This seismic event prompted immediate tsunami warnings for several Caribbean nations and territories, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Although initial alerts raised concerns about potential tsunami threats to these areas, most warnings were subsequently canceled as no significant damage was reported. The swift response from local authorities reflects an established protocol designed to safeguard residents during such natural disasters.

The quake struck at 6:23 p.m. local time in the middle of the sea and had a depth of 10 kilometers, the USGS said. Its epicenter was located 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands.

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center said there is no tsunami alert for the U.S. mainland but issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was later cancelled.

The sounding of alarms in Puerto Rico's northwest region caused people to leave coastal areas and caused heavy traffic, according to local media.

Hazard Management Cayman Islands urged residents near the coast to move inland and to higher ground. It said wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter are expected.

This transform fault zone has ruptured in a half dozen shocks with magnitudes greater than or equal to 7 since 1900. Saturday’s earthquake ruptured the offshore section, called the Swan Islands Fault Zone. The most destructive prior earthquake was the 1976 magnitude 7.5 Guatemala earthquake, which struck the onshore Motagua fault that crosses the country, contributing to its seismic hazard.

During the uncertainty that followed the earthquake, local authorities in the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico warned residents to stay out of the water. 

"Although a high impact event is not anticipated, as a safety measure no one should be in the water until further notice. It is important to follow official information and avoid the spread of rumors," Puerto Rico Seismic Network director Ángel Vázquez explained.

There have been no reports of damage from the earthquake itself, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service told CBS News.

The center later canceled the advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, but said advisories were still in place for Cuba – where tsunami waves of between 1 and 3 meters above tide level are possible – and Honduras and the Cayman Islands, where waves of 30 centimeters to 1 meter above tide level are possible.

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Sarah H

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