GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, February 8 – A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake jolted the Caribbean on Saturday evening, shaking islands across the region and triggering a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Cayman Islands.

The tremor struck at 6:23 p.m. Eastern Time, approximately 130 miles southwest of the Cayman Islands, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) has warned of strong ocean currents and hazardous sea-level fluctuations, with the earliest estimated impact in Puerto Rico at 8:48 p.m.

While no significant damage or casualties have been reported, authorities are urging coastal residents to stay away from beaches, harbors, and marinas as a precaution.

Reports indicate that tsunami waves up to 10 feet could impact parts of Cuba, though any waves reaching Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are expected to be less than a foot high.

The quake was felt across multiple Caribbean territories, with some residents describing tremors strong enough to shake buildings. Emergency officials across the region closely monitor the situation, and residents are advised to follow updates from local disaster agencies.

This latest seismic event serves as a reminder of the Caribbean’s vulnerability to earthquakes and tsunamis, given its location on multiple fault lines.