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Earthquake strikes the Caribbean

January 28, 2020

The epicenter was located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica, prompting initial fears of a tsunami, though those concerns have since passed. The tremors peaked at a strength of 7.7, the US Geological Survey recorded.

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Office workers in Havana on the streets following an earthquake on January 28, 2020
Image: Getty Images/A. Roque

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck in the Caribbean Sea between Jamaica and Cuba on Tuesday, causing tremors from Mexico to Florida. However, there were no casualties were reported.

The quake's epicenter was 117 kilometers (73 miles) northwest of Jamaica's town of Lucea and just south of Cuba, and had a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey.

The quake was felt across much of the island of Jamaica, lasting for several seconds, the Kingston-based Jamaica Observer newspaper reported.

Earthquake in the Caribbean
People gather outside after evacuating buildings in Miami, FloridaImage: AFP/J. Raedle

In Cuba's capital Havana, residents were evacuated out of buildings when the city was rattled by the quake (pictured), which was also felt in Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos.

It was not immediately clear if the earthquake caused any damage or injuries. The International Tsunami Information Center (ITC) issued an initial warning, though this was later lifted.

"The tsunami threat has now largely passed," the ITC said.

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Meanwhile, the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that based on all available data, waves reaching 0.3 to 1 meter above the tide level were possible for portions of Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica.

Earthquake in the Caribbean
A hole appeared caused by the earthquake at Public Beach on West Bay, Grand CaymanImage: picture-alliance/AP/Cayman Compass/T. Ramsay

Indeed, the Cayman Islands recorded an aftershock of magnitude 6.5 as a result of the quake that left cracked roads and what appeared to be sewage spilling from damaged mains.

jcg, jsi/msh (AFP, Reuters, AP)

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