An earthquake of magnitude 6.7 on the open Richter scale shook the eastern region of Cuba, the second reported this Sunday, without confirmation of damage to people or materials so far, according to the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais). .
This new earthquake was recorded at 11:49 am, located 32 kilometers southeast of the Pilón municipality, in the Granma province, and at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The earthquake that preceded it took place at 10:50 am at 19.75 degrees north latitude and 76.91 degrees west longitude, also at a depth of 10 kilometers and also with an epicenter located 48 km southeast of Pilón.
Cenais indicated that in addition to Granma, the movement was perceived in the eastern provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba and Holguín. Likewise, it was felt in Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila, in the central-east.
These earthquakes have as a precedent the 5.1 magnitude recorded on October 17 and which was felt in Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo and Granma (east), without reporting material damage.
The eastern provinces add these shocks to the intense rain storms received in recent days, and in particular Guantánamo, which was severely affected three weeks ago by the impact of tropical storm Óscar, with a death toll of eight and considerable damage to homes. and agriculture.
Cuba registered a total of 7,475 earthquakes in 2023, of which 14 were perceptible, according to the Cenais annual summary. The magnitudes ranged from less than 3 to 5.9 on the Richter scale.
The Oriente geological fault, the main area of seismic activity in Cuba, marked the highest number of earthquakes in the Caribbean country in the past year.
About 70% of the telluric movements are reported in this Oriente fault, located along the southeast coast of the island. In 2018, there were 15 perceptible movements in that area alone.
Cuba is located in a region – spanning from the Dominican Republic to Mexico – in which different tectonic fault systems converge with significant seismic activity.
Other large magnitude earthquakes have previously been documented in Cuba, such as the one of 6.7 on the Richter scale recorded in February 1932, and those of 6.9 -in 1991- and 7.1 -in 2020-, both located in the Granma province.
Cuba / EFE
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What are the primary factors that determine the magnitude of an earthquake, as discussed by Dr. Gonzalez?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gonzalez. We just heard about the recent earthquakes in eastern Cuba. Can you tell us more about the first earthquake that occurred this morning?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the first earthquake was recorded at 10:50 AM, measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale. It was located approximately 48 kilometers southeast of the Pilón municipality and occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. This led to some immediate concerns, but we’re still in the process of assessing potential impacts.
**Editor:** That’s quite significant. What about the second earthquake that followed shortly after?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** The second tremor struck at 11:49 AM, just under an hour after the first. It was similarly close, located 32 kilometers southeast of Pilón, and at the same depth of 10 kilometers. We’re grateful to report that, as of now, we have not confirmed any damage to infrastructure or reports of injuries.
**Editor:** With these two earthquakes happening in such quick succession, is there a risk of aftershocks?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Aftershocks are a common occurrence following significant seismic activity. While we cannot predict their exact timing or magnitude, we caution residents to remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of additional tremors in the coming days.
**Editor:** What measures are being taken to ensure public safety in the affected areas?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Local authorities and our team are collaborating closely to monitor the situation. They have been conducting safety assessments and will provide updates to the community. We also recommend that residents stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety protocols in case of further seismic activity.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Gonzalez. It’s vital for people to stay informed and prepared.
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. Awareness and preparedness can significantly reduce the risks associated with earthquakes.
