A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck between Honduras and the Cayman Islands, triggering a tsunami alert, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Authorities raised the alert for the Cayman Islands but ruled out danger for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. “The Tsunami Advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands is now canceled,” NWS stated, warning of “strong and unusual currents.”

The quake hit at 6:23 p.m. local time, with its epicenter about 20 miles north of Honduras and 130 miles southwest of the Cayman Islands. Residents were urged to “move away from harbors, bays, and marinas, and get out of the water.”

The Cayman Islands Hazard Management Agency warned, “Residents living near the coastline are encouraged to move inland.” NWS also reported an ongoing tsunami threat for Cuba, where waves could reach 1 to 3 meters, and for Honduras and the Cayman Islands, with waves up to 1 meter.

This was the most powerful earthquake in the region since Haiti’s devastating 7.2 magnitude quake in 2021. No tsunami threat was reported for the United States.