Officials issue update after Caribbean earthquake sparked tsunami alerts

Earthquakes of this size are known to generate tsunamis dangerous to shorelines near the source,

The National Weather Service has warned

It was shallow, with a depth of barely 7 miles,

Atmospheric scientist Matthew Cappucci stated

This was a lateral 'strike-slip' quake; minimal up/down motion, so very low tsunami threat,

he clarified, offering reassurance

With the latest modeling and information, the tsunami threat has passed. There are no alerts posted for the United States or international partners. The tsunami threat has passed."

In the center's most recent post, it said

While that sounds small, it's evidence and confirmation that a tsunami is occurring due to a significant earthquake,

it said

Actual amplitudes at the coast may vary from forecast amplitudes due to uncertainties in the forecast and local features,

the NOAA said in a report

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

A Tsunami Threat continues for Cuba, where a tsunami may reach 1 to 3 meters above the tide, and Honduras and the Cayman Islands, where a tsunami may reach up to 0.3 to 1 meter above the tide,

the warning center wrote on social media just before 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Luckily, the remote location of these earthquakes limits the potential for significant damage due to shaking,

it said

Large earthquakes at this location of the plate boundary are not unexpected,

the agency said in an analysis published on its website Saturday night

All tsunami forecast water levels are below 1-foot with earliest arrival times in about 1 hour in Puerto Rico, ... A one to three-foot tsunami is still an impressive force of nature capable of strong and unusual currents, impacting boats, harbors, and piers. It's not a surf wave. Stay away from the coast in the Advisory area.”

the National Weather Service said on X on 7.48 p.m. E.T

Based on all available data... the tsunami threat from this earthquake has passed and there is no further threat,

the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said

Residents living near the coastline are encouraged to move inland."

The Cayman Islands government warned in a message on its website