M7.6 quake in the Caribbean

Tsunami threats

A strong earthquake hit about 129 miles south-southwest of Geroge Town, Cayman, on Sunday before 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Two major plates are moving in this region: the North American and Caribbean plates. These two plates are along a transform boundary, meaning they slide past each other. The Caribbean Plate moves generally eastward while the North American Plate moves westward. Luckily, there are no reports of damage so far in any of the nearby countries.

There is no threat of tsunami to the U.S. Although at this time, there are no measurements available if tsunami waves are happening in other parts of Central America or the Caribbean, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System predicted that there could be tsunami waves reaching 3 to 10 feet above the tide level are possible along some coasts of Cuba and 1 to 3 feet above the tide level are possible for some coasts of Honduras and the Cayman Islands. All advisories have expired. There is no threat of a tsunami.

Major earthquakes are uncommon, and this is likely the first major quake for this specific region near the Cayman Islands. We will continue to monitor closely and bring you updates as needed.