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
#magnitude #earthquake #shakes #eastern #area #Cuba
**What are the key details about the recent earthquakes off the eastern coast of Cuba, including their magnitudes and epicenters?**
**Interview on Recent Earthquakes in Eastern Cuba**
**Host:** Welcome to today’s segment. We have a special guest with us, Dr. Maria Hernandez, a seismologist with the National Center for Seismological Research in Cuba. Dr. Hernandez, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Hernandez:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** We just learned about two significant earthquakes off the eastern coast of Cuba today. The first one was at about 10:50 AM and registered at a magnitude of 6.7. Can you tell us more about this?
**Dr. Hernandez:** Yes, indeed. The first earthquake, recorded at 10:50 AM, had its epicenter 48 kilometers southeast of the Pilón municipality in Granma province, at a depth of 10 kilometers. This is a fairly typical depth for seismic activity in this region.
**Host:** And then, just about an hour later, another earthquake struck. What was the magnitude and location of this second event?
**Dr. Hernandez:** The second earthquake was slightly stronger, with a magnitude of 6.8, and it was recorded at 11:49 AM. Its epicenter was located 32 kilometers southeast of Pilón, at the same depth of 10 kilometers. It’s common for aftershocks to occur in the wake of larger quakes.
**Host:** Given these recent events, have you received any reports on damage or casualties?
**Dr. Hernandez:** So far, there have been no confirmed reports of damage to infrastructure or injuries, which is fortunate. Our team continues to monitor the situation closely, but the initial assessments indicate that the area is quite resilient.
**Host:** The Cuban community, especially in places like South Florida, is quite connected to these events. How has the local community responded?
**Dr. Hernandez:** The Cuban-American community has been very supportive. There’s a lot of concern for family and friends back home, especially after recent hurricanes and blackouts that have already affected lives on the island. Community organizations are preparing to provide assistance should it be needed.
**Host:** Dr. Hernandez, what advice do you have for residents living in seismically active regions, especially in light of these earthquakes?
**Dr. Hernandez:** Preparedness is key. I always advise residents to have an emergency plan and supplies ready, such as water, food, and medical kits. It’s also important to have a communication plan with loved ones. For those in South Florida, they should stay informed through local news and be ready to help those affected in Cuba.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Hernandez, for sharing your expertise with us today.
**Dr. Hernandez:** Thank you for having me. Stay safe.
**Host:** And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We’ll continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they come in.
