A major, 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, the official report from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) states. According to the data, the earthquake was magnitude 8 and occurred at 7:23 p.m. Atlantic time, approximately 130 miles southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. The shaking intensity is categorized as a “light” earthquake over the USGS scale, based on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) rating. Seismologists estimate that the earthquake’s shaking severity could increase, as aftershocks are typically amplified in the same fault segment.
Quakes and aftershocks within a 100-mile radius have been recorded, with data available for earthquakes as recent as the previous 24 hours. The New York Times reported that the magnitude of the earthquake may be revised or increased, as subsequent data collection is ongoing. aftershocks outside the modeled earthquake’s epicenter are unlikely to be felt within 100 miles. Detailed shaking intensity maps, along with MMI determinations from seismologists, are being used to update the earthquake’s shaking severity across 1763 square miles in the affected area.
Releases from the USGS are scheduled to begin at 10:39 p.m. and when updated by later this evening. Oneshock.com provides forecasts for affected communities with real-time updates based on theUnified Southern California Earthquake andquake hazard (US Delaware河流域 earthquake hazard map).
