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 were the magnitudes and locations of the earthquakes that Dr. Rodriguez discussed in the interview?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Rodriguez, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rodriguez. We experienced two significant earthquakes in eastern Cuba earlier today. Can you tell us more about these events?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Thank you for having me. Yes, today the eastern region of Cuba was shaken by two earthquakes. The first occurred at 10:50 am, registering a magnitude of 6.7, located about 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón, and the second tremor followed shortly after at 11:49 am, also registering a similar magnitude and position but slightly closer, at 32 kilometers southeast of Pilón.
**Editor:** That’s quite alarming. What can you tell us about the depth of these earthquakes and their potential implications?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Both earthquakes were recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers, which is relatively shallow. Shallow earthquakes can cause more surface shaking and potentially lead to greater damage if they are near populated areas. However, as of now, we have no confirmed reports of damage or injuries.
**Editor:** What measures are in place to ensure public safety during such seismic events?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** In Cuba, we have a comprehensive seismic monitoring system in place, along with public education campaigns about earthquake preparedness. After significant tremors, we always urge the public to remain vigilant as aftershocks can occur. Local authorities are also on standby to assess any impacts.
**Editor:** Are there concerns about further seismic activity in the region?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** It’s always a possibility. While we cannot predict earthquakes, we do monitor seismic activity closely. The eastern region of Cuba is relatively active in terms of tectonic movement, and we encourage residents to stay informed about safety protocols.
**Editor:** Thank you so much, Dr. Rodriguez, for your insights and updates on this situation. We hope for the safety of all residents in the affected areas.
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Thank you for the opportunity to share this important information. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
