Massive 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Caribbean Waters
February 8, 2025 – A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands on Saturday evening, triggering a tsunami threat alert for the region. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the tremor occurred at 6:23 PM local time at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The epicenter of the quake was located approximately 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands. In response, the Cayman Islands government issued an urgent tsunami warning, advising residents near coastal areas to evacuate inland as a precautionary measure.
The US National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that while there was no tsunami threat to the US mainland, a tsunami advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Geological Explanation and Fault Mechanism
USGS detailed that the earthquake was caused by strike-slip faulting in the shallow crust near the boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates. Focal mechanism solutions indicated the rupture occurred on a steeply dipping structure, either striking west-northwest with a right-lateral movement or west-southwest with a left-lateral movement.
The tectonic activity in this region is driven by the North American plate moving west-southwest relative to the Caribbean plate at an approximate rate of 20 millimeters per year. The earthquake’s characteristics suggest that it was triggered along the Swan Islands transform fault, a left-lateral structure accommodating this tectonic movement.
Impact and Response
So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant infrastructure damage. Authorities in the affected regions continue to monitor the situation closely, and emergency response teams are on high alert. Residents are urged to stay informed through official communication channels and adhere to safety advisories.
Given the history of seismic activity in the Caribbean, experts emphasize the importance of preparedness for coastal communities. The latest event underscores the ongoing tectonic dynamics in the region and the potential risks associated with large-magnitude earthquakes.
Authorities in the Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands remain vigilant as aftershocks may follow in the coming days. Travelers and residents are advised to stay updated on further developments.
