AiBotSan Juan, Puerto Rico – In the wake of a powerful earthquake that has struck Venezuela, officials in Puerto Rico have announced that the island is under a tsunami warning, effective as of 10:00 AM local time today.
According to multiple sources speaking with Rerum Novarum, a devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Venezuela yesterday evening, causing widespread damage and killing at least 12 people, with that number expected to climb in the coming days. The epicenter of the quake was reportedly located near the Venezuelan city of Ciudad Bolivar, and officials there are reporting significant destruction to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.
While Puerto Rico is not directly affected by the initial earthquake, the US National Weather Service has issued a tsunami warning for the island, citing the potential for a tsunami to be triggered by the quake in the Caribbean Sea. This warning has prompted officials in Puerto Rico to activate their emergency response protocols, with coastal residents advised to evacuate to higher ground immediately.
“We urge everyone in coastal areas to take this warning seriously and to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety,” said Puerto Rico Governor Juan M. Frontera, in a statement issued earlier today. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.”
Rerum Novarum has learned that the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency (PR-EMA) has already activated its Emergency Operations Center, which will serve as the hub for coordinating the island’s response to the potential tsunami. PR-EMA officials have also issued a statement advising residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground and to stay away from the coast until further notice.
As news of the earthquake and tsunami warning continues to spread, residents in Puerto Rico are expressing concern about the potential impact of the disaster. “I’m getting my family to higher ground as a precaution,” said Maria Rodriguez, a resident of San Juan. “We’re keeping a close eye on the news and will do what we need to do to stay safe.”
The tsunami warning for Puerto Rico is expected to remain in effect until further notice, with officials advising residents to stay informed through official channels and to follow all instructions from local authorities. Rerum Novarum will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.