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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How can communities better prepare for future seismic events based on Dr. López’s recommendations?
**Interview with Dr. Ana López, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. López. There have been two significant earthquakes reported in eastern Cuba this Sunday. Can you provide us with more details about these events?
**Dr. López**: Thank you for having me. Yes, indeed, we recorded two earthquakes this morning. The first occurred at 10:50 am with a magnitude of 6.7, located approximately 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón in Granma province. The second quake followed shortly after, at 11:49 am, also measuring 6.7 and located 32 kilometers southeast of Pilón, both at a depth of around 10 kilometers.
**Editor**: Have there been any reports of damage or injuries following these earthquakes?
**Dr. López**: As of now, we have not received any confirmations of damage to people or materials. Our teams are actively assessing the situation and are in contact with local authorities to ensure a thorough evaluation is conducted.
**Editor**: Given the magnitude and location, can you explain the potential implications for the region?
**Dr. López**: Earthquakes of this magnitude can certainly be alarming. While we remain hopeful that there will be no significant damage, it’s crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared for any aftershocks, which are common following significant seismic events.
**Editor**: What can the public do to stay safe during and after earthquakes?
**Dr. López**: It’s important for everyone to know the safety protocols: drop, cover, and hold on during the quake, and to have an emergency plan in place. Staying informed through official channels like Cenais is also vital, as we continue to monitor the situation.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. López, for your insights and expertise during this important time.
**Dr. López**: Thank you for having me, and let’s hope for continued safety for everyone in the region.
