A powerful 7.6 earthquake struck 44km east of Great Swan Island, Hondorus, triggering a Tsunami Advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The quake occured at a depth of 21 miles. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, such a powerful quake could trigger a tsunami within 620 miles.
While the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center continues a Tsunami Advisory, their latest model data suggests no immediate tsunami threat there. In their latest bulletin, they write, “Model forecast indicates no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. We are still waiting for water level data to confirm the forecast.” While the models forecast no threat, the Tsunami Warning Center urges people in the advisory area to act under the assumption a tsunami will arrive. “Actions required to protect human life, safety, and property will vary within the tsunami advisory area. Persons located in or near the ocean should move out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets. Do NOT go to the shore to observe the tsunami. Do NOT return to evacuated areas until the all clear is given by local authorities.”
The Tsunami Warning Center also has advice for boaters. “If conditions permit, move your boat out to sea to a depth of at least 450 feet. If at sea, avoid entering shallow water, harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets to avoid floating and submerged debris and strong currents.”
Should a tsunami arrive, these are the times they would first impact land according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center:
PUERTO RICO
- MONA ISLAND 123 AM
- ARECIBO 124 AM
- MAYAGUEZ 124 AM
- AGUADILLA 125 AM
- SAN JUAN 127 AM
- PENUELAS 132 AM
- PONCE 135 AM
- AGUEYES IS 141 AM
- YABUCOA 141 AM
- CAJA DE MUERTOS 144 AM
- VIEQUES IS 204 AM
- FAJARDO 205 AM
- CULEBRA IS 215 AM
US Virgin Islands
- CHRISTIANSTED 147 AM
- LIMETREE 148 AM
- LAMESHUR BAY 224 AM
- CHARLOTTE AMALIE 227 AM
British Virgin Islands
- ANEGADA 151 AM
- VIRGIN GORDA 212 AM
- ROADTOWN 312 AM
