Major Caribbean earthquake triggers tsunami alerts

Published

2 months ago

February 9, 2025

editor

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake has struck the Caribbean Sea triggering tsunami warnings for a number of countries, the US Geological Survey (USGS) has said.

Officials say the earthquake’s epicentre is about 20 miles (32.1km) north of Honduras and 130 miles (209.2km) south-west of the Cayman Islands.

A number of tsunami alerts have been issued for the region including the coast of Colombia, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Cuba.

The National Weather Service initially sent out a tsunami advisory for potential hazards for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands – but this alert was cancelled about 45 minutes after it was issued.

“While alerts have ended, strong and unusual currents may continue. Be careful near the water and use caution,” the National Tsunami Warning Centre said.

“Refer to the latest information from local emergency management.”

But, the Cayman Islands’ government has warned residents it remains “under a tsunami threat”.

“Residents living near the coastline are encouraged to move inland.”

The USGS said large earthquakes at this location of the plate boundary are not unexpected.

In 2018 a 7.5-magnitude earthquake occurred nearby, causing some damage and a small tsunami, it said.

“Luckily, the remote location of these earthquakes limits the potential for significant damage due to shaking,” it added.

Separately, the US National Tsunami Warning Centre said there are no alerts for the mainland US coast.

(BBC)

Easter Attacks PCOI report handed over to CID

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2025

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The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has confirmed that Secretary to the President – Nandika Sanath Kumanayake handed over the report.

CID probe launched over photo of tooth relic

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2025

editor

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into a photo circulating on social media, allegedly showing the sacred tooth relic during the ongoing special exposition – ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ in Kandy.

According to Police Headquarters, the circulating image is seemingly an image taken by a devotee who attended the exposition, which is being held until April 27.

The police emphasises that devotees are not permitted to take photos or use their phones.

In this backdrop, the CID is investigating to ascertain whether the circulating photo was indeed taken during the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ exposition, and whether it was a photo captured by someone or whether it is merely an edited image.

The CID investigation has been launched on the instructions of the Acting Inspector General of Police.

News

Brazilian nabbed at BIA with cocaine worth Rs. 240 mn.

Published

5 hours ago

April 20, 2025

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A Brazilian national was arrested by the Narcotics Control Unit at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this (April 20) morning over attempting to smuggle nearly 05 kg of cocaine concealed in his suitcase.

The suspect is a 59-year-old Brazilian teacher and the seized cocaine (4kg and 855g) is valued around Rs. 240 million.