Tsunami warnings issued after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday evening have been lifted, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The USGS reported that the earthquake's epicenter was located approximately 20 miles (32 km) north of Honduras and 130 miles (209 km) southwest of the Cayman Islands.

Following the quake, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued alerts for over a dozen countries, warning of potential waves reaching up to three meters (10 feet). However, officials later rescinded the warning, stating that the threat had passed.

Additionally, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were placed under tsunami advisories, which were also cancelled soon after.

Authorities in the Cayman Islands urged coastal residents to move inland as a precaution, issuing an emergency advisory on their official government website. However, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties.

According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this was the strongest earthquake to strike the region since 2021, when a 7.2-magnitude quake devastated Haiti.

Approximately three hours after the earthquake, U.S. authorities cautioned that minor sea level fluctuations of up to 30 cm (11.8 inches) could still occur. However, they reaffirmed that no serious tsunami threat remained.

The USGS emphasized that large earthquakes along this tectonic boundary are not uncommon. In 2018, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in the same region caused some damage and a small tsunami.

Meanwhile, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that no tsunami alerts were issued for the mainland United States. (ILKHA)