Major magnitude 7.7 earthquake between Cuba and Jamaica

Location of Tuesday quake

The United States Geological Survey has announced detection of a major earthquake located under the western Caribbean, about 70 miles northwest of Jamaica.

The area is part of a strike-slip fault system, whose usual motion is less likely to generate large tsunamis, but those along nearby coasts should still take caution. Even this form of fault can trigger movement of underwater sediments, which can in turn generate sizable waves. A tsunami warning was originally issued for Jamaica, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands.

A magnitude 7.7 quake is very severe. Though it was not directly located beneath a population center, early reports suggest strong earth movement in both Jamaica and Cuba. Early reports from Jamaica show limited damage. 

This earthquake follows a series of smaller, but still destructive earthquakes that have occurred under or near Puerto Rico in the last few weeks. There is no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico at this point.

Tuesday, Jan 28, 2020 · 8:33:31 PM +00:00 · Mark Sumner

Tsunami waves reaching 1-3 feet above tide level are possible for some coasts of Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Cayman Islands and Jamaica following powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Caribbean Sea, NWS Tsunami Warning Center says. pic.twitter.com/fj0x1iRP50

— Breaking News (@BreakingNews) January 28, 2020