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 does the depth of an earthquake influence the level of damage it can cause?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Torres, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Torres! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent earthquakes that have struck off the southern coast of Cuba. The first quake you reported was a 5.9 magnitude, followed by an even stronger one at 6.7. Can you tell us more about the significance of these magnitudes?
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for having me. The magnitude of an earthquake gives us an indication of its size and potential impact. A 5.9 magnitude quake is considered strong and can cause damage, especially in populated areas. However, a 6.7 magnitude quake is classified as major, which increases the likelihood of significant shaking and potential destruction.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that both quakes occurred near the Pilón municipality in the Granma province. What can you tell us about the depth and location of these seismic events?
**Dr. Torres:** Both earthquakes occurred at a depth of around 10 kilometers, which is relatively shallow. Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more surface shaking, potentially leading to greater damage than deeper ones. The first quake at 10:50 am was 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón, while the second, more powerful quake followed just an hour later, about 32 kilometers southeast.
**Interviewer:** What measures are in place for monitoring and responding to such seismic activity?
**Dr. Torres:** At Cenais, we continuously monitor seismic activity using a network of seismometers. We analyze the data in real time to assess the impact and extend warnings if necessary, although this time no tsunami alerts were issued, which indicates that the seismic events were contained. We also collaborate with local emergency management teams to ensure readiness for potential disasters.
**Interviewer:** Have there been any reports of damage or casualties as a result of the recent quakes?
**Dr. Torres:** As of now, there are no confirmed reports of damage to people or properties. However, we are still in the process of gathering information from local authorities and monitoring the situation closely. It’s crucial for residents to remain alert, as aftershocks are possible.
**Interviewer:** what advice would you give to the residents in the affected regions?
**Dr. Torres:** I would advise residents to stay informed through official channels, have an emergency plan in place, and ensure they have supplies ready in case of aftershocks or further seismic activity. Awareness and preparedness can make a significant difference in ensuring safety during such events.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights. We hope for the safety and well-being of all residents in the affected areas.
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for having me. Stay safe!
