A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck the western Caribbean on Thursday, October 19, 2023. The epicenter of the earthquake was reported to be located approximately 17 kilometers east-northeast of the coastal town of Cayo Largo, Cuba, at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), as confirmed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake struck at 11:50 p.m. EDT, prompting immediate concerns across the region.
In response to the high magnitude of the quake, the National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami advisory for several Caribbean nations, including Cuba, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and parts of Central America. Although the advisory indicated that there was potential for tsunami waves, the extent of the threat was still being assessed. Residents in coastal areas were urged to remain vigilant as authorities monitored the situation closely.
“The situation is still evolving, and our teams are prepared to respond to any potential coastal flooding or other impacts from this earthquake,” said Eric Blake, a senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center. Initial reports from the region noted shaking felt as far away as Miami, Florida, where residents reported significant tremors.
Local authorities in Cuba reported that some structures experienced minor damage, but as of now, there were no reports of casualties. The Cuban government activated emergency response protocols to assess and respond to any potential damage across the island. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant, emphasizing that emergency services were on standby.
As the evening unfolded, the USGS confirmed aftershocks, updating the situation as more data and reports became available. In the Caribbean, the seismic activity raised alarms about the region’s susceptibility to undersea geological shifts, and many experts were analyzing the risk of subsequent aftershocks.
“It’s crucial to remain prepared for any aftershocks that may occur in the coming hours and days. Our teams are on high alert,” remarked Dr. Susan Hough, a seismologist at the USGS. The collaborative efforts from weather and geological agencies aimed to keep the public informed through timely updates as they monitored the aftermath of this significant earthquake.
