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| Tourists relishing their time in the Cayman Islands | source: getty images |
A powerful tremor beneath the ocean disrupted the tranquility of the Caribbean late Saturday, prompting experts to urgently evaluate the potential dangers. As waves start to form, certain coastlines are preparing for possible effects.
A significant earthquake, registering 7.6 on the Richter scale, occurred north of Honduras late Saturday, leading to tsunami warnings across several coastal zones. The seismic event happened at 23:23 UTC on February 8, 2025, with its epicenter pinpointed at 17.8°N, 82.5°W, and a depth of 33 km (20 miles).
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| Visitors in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands | source: getty images |
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In the aftermath of the quake, tsunami waves were observed, resulting in alerts for specific coastal regions. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), dangerous waves between 1 to 3 meters above tide levels are anticipated along Cuba’s shores. Lesser waves, from 0.3 to 1 meter, might influence parts of Honduras and the Cayman Islands.
Authorities are vigilantly tracking sea-level indicators to gauge the complete scope of the tsunami threat. The PTWC noted that actual wave heights could vary due to local topography and underwater landscapes. Barrier reefs and atolls may encounter considerably less impact than predicted.
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| A stunning beach in Cuba featuring golden sand and turquoise waters | source: pexels |
Projected Tsunami Arrival Times
The initial tsunami waves are forecasted to reach impacted areas within hours on February 9. Estimated arrival times (UTC) are as follows:
*Puerto Cortes, Honduras – 00:22
*Trujillo, Honduras – 01:08
*Santa Cruz del Sur, Cuba – 03:00
*Nueva Gerona, Cuba – 03:50 UTC
A tsunami consists of a sequence of surges rather than a single wave. Some waves might exceed the size of the first one, with intervals spanning from five minutes to an hour. The danger could endure for several hours or more.
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| Ocean wave | source: pexels |
Officials have verified that no tsunami warning has been activated for the United States. Nonetheless, coastal surveillance will proceed as a precautionary measure. Governments in the affected territories are advising those living near the coast to stay vigilant and heed guidance from local authorities. Evacuations could be required in some areas, contingent on the severity of the waves.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) also addressed the quake in a social media update, stating, "Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.6 - 209 km SSW of George Town, Cayman Islands."
Hours after the intense earthquake shook the Caribbean, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center disseminated crucial updates, alleviating concerns in some areas while maintaining vigilance in others. Through a series of social media posts, the agency confirmed that the tsunami threat had subsided for the United States and its international allies.
One update mentioned, "With the latest modeling and information, the tsunami threat has passed. There are no alerts posted for the United States or International Partners. The agency concluded, “Unusual currents may be noticed in some areas. Exercise normal caution."
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| Aerial perspective of the ocean | source: pexels |
Despite this, warnings remained active for certain locations. Another update underscored ongoing surveillance for Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands. Officials reported that a minor tsunami wave—measuring 3 cm (1.2 inches)—was detected near Isla Mujeres, Mexico, at 01:03 UTC. Although small in scale, the reading affirmed that tsunami activity had taken place.
Meanwhile, a third update provided reassurance to residents of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, announcing that the tsunami advisory for these areas had been rescinded. However, officials cautioned that strong and unusual currents might continue and urged individuals to exercise caution near the water.
As tsunami warnings spread throughout the Caribbean, the Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued a special weather bulletin advising coastal communities about possible repercussions.
The advisory, released at 7:45 PM EST on February 8, 2025, indicated that the 7.6-magnitude earthquake occurred approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. In response, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) dispatched alerts for multiple nations across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Officials warned that increased sea levels could affect portions of the Southeast Bahamas, including Ragged Island, Crooked Island, Acklins, Mayaguana, and Inagua. The advisory also encompassed the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Residents along eastern and southern shorelines in these locales were encouraged to remain watchful between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM EST for any abnormal changes in coastal conditions.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, advising residents to stay updated through official weather communications.
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