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 key indicators that seismologists look for to determine if earthquakes are related?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Martinez, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor**: Good evening, Dr. Martinez. Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent earthquakes that struck eastern Cuba. Can you provide us with some details about the seismic events that occurred today?
**Dr. Martinez**: Good evening! Yes, today we experienced two significant earthquakes. The first one was a magnitude 5.9, which hit at around 10:50 am, located approximately 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón. The second, which was even stronger at 6.7 magnitude, occurred at 11:49 am, located 32 kilometers southeast of Pilón. Both quakes struck at a depth of about 10 kilometers.
**Editor**: That’s quite close in timing and location. Are there indicators that suggest these quakes might be related to one another?
**Dr. Martinez**: Absolutely, it is common for earthquakes to occur in quick succession, especially in tectonically active regions. The proximity of their epicenters and the small time gap suggests they could indeed be part of the same seismic activity or stress release in the Earth’s crust.
**Editor**: Have there been any reports of damage or injuries from these tremors?
**Dr. Martinez**: So far, we have no confirmed reports of damage or injuries. The National Center for Seismological Research is actively monitoring the situation. Communities are advised to remain cautious and report any damages they may observe.
**Editor**: What should residents do to prepare for potential aftershocks or future seismic activity?
**Dr. Martinez**: It’s important for residents to have an emergency plan in place. They should identify safe shelter areas, have an emergency kit on hand, and stay informed through official channels for updates. Following earthquakes, staying calm and checking on neighbors are crucial actions.
**Editor**: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Martinez. It’s reassuring to know that Cenais is on top of the situation. We encourage the community to stay safe and vigilant.
**Dr. Martinez**: Thank you for having me. Stay safe, everyone!
