7.6 magnitude earthquake causes tsunami warning in Central America
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck northern Honduras in the Caribbean Sea, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning in the area.
|
Location of the epicenter. Graphics:KABC. |
The 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck on January 9 (02:51 GMT on January 10) with its epicenter located 202 km northeast of Barra Patuca, Honduras, and 307 km southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands.Reutersinformation from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The epicenter was quite shallow, at a depth of only 10 km. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning for Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
"Based on preliminary data, hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts within 1,000 km of the epicenter," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. Tsunami waves are expected to be 0.3 to 1 meter above the high tide level.
Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said authorities had activated the country's emergency system and urged people to "remain calm".
