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 steps should residents take to prepare for potential aftershocks following the recent earthquakes?
**Interview Transcript:**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, and welcome to our special report on the recent earthquakes in Cuba. Joining us today is Dr. Maria Fernandez, a seismologist with the National Center for Seismological Research. Thank you for being here, Dr. Fernandez.
**Dr. Fernandez:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Fernandez, can you tell us more about the earthquakes that struck Santiago de Cuba and the surrounding areas this Sunday?
**Dr. Fernandez:** Certainly. The first earthquake hit at 10:50 am with a magnitude of 6.0, followed by a stronger tremor at 11:49 am measuring 6.7. Both earthquakes originated from the same general area, southeast of the Pilón municipality in Granma province.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite significant. How do these earthquakes compare to others we’ve seen in the region?
**Dr. Fernandez:** These magnitudes are indeed substantial. Earthquakes above 6.0 are considered strong and can cause severe damage, especially in populated areas. Fortunately, we have not received reports of any casualties or major damage so far.
**Interviewer:** That’s a relief to hear. What can residents in the affected areas expect moving forward?
**Dr. Fernandez:** We encourage residents to stay vigilant. Aftershocks are common following an initial quake, so it’s essential to be prepared. The National Seismological Service is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as we gather more information.
**Interviewer:** How can the public stay informed about seismic activity in the region?
**Dr. Fernandez:** We recommend that residents follow updates from official sources, such as Cenais, and stay connected through local news channels and social media. It’s important to have an emergency plan in place as well.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Fernandez. We appreciate your insights and guidance during this concerning time.
**Dr. Fernandez:** Thank you for having me, and let’s stay safe out there.
**Interviewer:** That wraps up our interview. Please stay tuned for more updates on the situation in Cuba.