Wednesday, 10 January 2018

*Strong Quake in Caribbean Sea Shakes Honduras, Mexico & Belize, Sparks Tsunami Warning*

*Strong Quake in Caribbean Sea Shakes Honduras, Mexico & Belize, Sparks Tsunami Warning*

An earthquake of magnitude 7.6 that struck near remote islands belonging to Honduras on Tuesday was felt across northern Central America, prompting a tsunami warning for parts of the Caribbean. The quake rattled windows in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa roughly 323 miles (519 km) to the east and was felt at least as far north as the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, but no damage was immediately reported.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami advisory was in effect for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after the earthquake and warned of possible waves up to 1 meter (3 feet) above tide level. In Honduras, firefighters said some residents in southern neighbourhoods fled their homes after feeling the shaking.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake, initially reported as a magnitude 7.8, was centered 125 miles (202 km)northeast of Barra Patuca in Honduras and 191 miles (307 km)southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands. The quake was very shallow, at only 6.2 miles (10 km), which would have amplified its effect.

No comments: