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The 7.7 earthquake that shook the Caribbean this week has created a situation in which tsunami waves are threatening the surrounding islands, even stretching their potential to hit the shores of South America.
There are no damages being reported at this time due to these waves.
The Cayman Islands have encouraged their residents to evacuate areas close to the shore and seek high ground until the threat of tsunami waves lessen.
This is the warning posted on social media this week.
It is likely a tsunami wave of between 1 and 3 feet may have been generated following a 7.7 M earthquake approx 75 miles ESE of the Sister Islands A tsunami is a series of waves. Move away from coastal areas and evacuation vertically if possible. pic.twitter.com/fdeNDO56yY
— Hazard Management CI (@CINEOC) January 28, 2020
Reuters reported on the developing conditions.
“Hazardous tsunami waves are forecast for some coasts,” the International Tsunami Information Center said.
Tsunami waves reaching 0.3 (1 foot) to 1 meter (3 feet) above the tide level were possible for coastal parts of Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, it said.
The quake was felt in several provinces across Cuba, the government said. It was not strongly felt in the capital of Havana, according to a Reuters witness.
It was also not felt strongly in Kingston, Jamaica, according to witnesses, although video on social media showed water splashing out of a swimming pool, apparently on the island.
Settling above sea level and fortified structures are highly recommended for those stuck in the path of the waves at this time as the Caribbean continues to feel the impact of the earthquake earlier in the week.
