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 recent seismic activity in Cuba align with the historical frequency of earthquakes in the region?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Reyes, Seismologist at Cenais**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. Reyes. Thank you for joining us today. There have been two significant earthquakes reported in eastern Cuba this Sunday. Can you tell us more about these events?
**Dr. Reyes:** Good afternoon! Yes, we experienced two earthquakes today, both with a magnitude of around 6.7-6.8. The first quake struck at 10:50 am, and the second one followed just under an hour later, at 11:49 am. Both were centered southeast of the Pilón municipality in Granma province.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite alarming for the local population. Were there any reports of damage or injuries following these tremors?
**Dr. Reyes:** As of now, we have not received any confirmed reports of damage to people or infrastructure. The National Center for Seismological Research is continuing to monitor the situation and will release updates if anything changes.
**Interviewer:** What can you tell us about the depth of these earthquakes? How does that affect the impact they have on the surface?
**Dr. Reyes:** Both earthquakes occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, which is relatively shallow. Shallow earthquakes can be more destructive compared to deeper ones, particularly in populated areas, but thankfully, the absence of damage reports so far is encouraging.
**Interviewer:** And how does this activity compare to historical earthquakes in Cuba, such as the major earthquake back in 1766?
**Dr. Reyes:** The 1766 Cuba earthquake had a much higher magnitude of 6.8 and caused significant destruction at the time. While today’s events are serious, they are not on the same scale historically. However, it serves as a reminder for the region to stay prepared, as seismic activity is not uncommon in our area.
**Interviewer:** It’s important for residents to be aware and prepared. What advice would you give to the community in light of these recent earthquakes?
**Dr. Reyes:** I encourage everyone to stay informed through official channels like Cenais. It’s also vital for households to have an emergency plan and supplies ready. Earthquakes can strike without warning, and being prepared can make a significant difference.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Reyes, for your insights. We hope for the safety of everyone in the affected areas.
**Dr. Reyes:** Thank you for having me. Stay safe!