Tsunami warnings after massive earthquake shakes Caribbean

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake in the middle of the Caribbean Sea triggered a wave of tsunami warnings around the region.

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake was reported in the middle of the Caribbean Sea on Saturday night local time – triggering a wave of tsunami warnings around the region that have since been lifted.

The earthquake was reported just before 6:30pmlocal time about 200 kilometres south-southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands at a depth of about 9.6km, according to the US Geological Survey.

The event placed several areas along the Mexican coastline under threat of tsunami — with those warnings and advisories lifted more than two hours later, according to USGS, the New York Post reported.

The earthquake in the Caribbean Sea. Picture: USGS

The earthquake was a result of a strike slip faulting in the shallow crust near the boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates, according to USGS.

The earthquake was a result of a strike slip faulting in the shallow crust near the boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates. Picture: iStock

“With the latest modelling and information, the tsunami threat has passed,” the US National Tsunami Warning Center posted on X.

“There are no alerts posted for the United States or International Partners. The tsunami threat has passed. Unusual currents may be noticed in some areas. Exercise normal caution.”

“Luckily, the remote location of these earthquakes limits the potential for significant damage due to shaking,” the USGS said.

There are no reports of injuries or damage.

This story originally appeared on the NY Post and was republished with permission.

Originally published as Tsunami warnings after massive earthquake shakes Caribbean