Two earthquakes of magnitude 6 and 6.7 on the Richter scale were felt this Sunday in several provinces in eastern and central Mexico. Cuba, leaving a preliminary balance of affected homes, electrical breakdowns and landslides from mountainous areas, without reporting fatalities or injuries at the moment.
Two earthquakes affected several eastern and central provinces
It should be noted that these earthquakes are the 13th and 14th recorded so far this year. They occurred mid-morning by the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais) in the vicinity of the municipality of Pilón, in Granma.
Cenais indicated that it had reported 300 aftershocks of these events, of which fifteen were noticeable.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel called on the residents of Granma and Santiago de Cuba to go out and stay in open places. The first and essential thing is to save lives.
He also specified that the damage is being evaluated to begin recovery.
“We have gone through difficult days, but we will recover, no matter how complicated it is, we will get up,” he said.
According to preliminary reports, total and partial collapses of houses and state buildings have been reported, as well as cracks in walls and fallen electrical poles.
Through state television, the lighthouse in the coastal town of Cabo Cruz (Granma), which is more than 150 years old, has suffered cracks and fissures in various parts of its structure.
The provincial authorities have asked the population to remain calm, prudent and disciplined, and comply with the established measures, such as concentrating on the ground floor of tall buildings and open spaces.
Through social networks, residents of the areas where these tremors have been felt have shared their impressions of being surprised to see the movement of furniture and objects in their homes.
The eastern part of the island is still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Oscar, which occurred three weeks ago, and from the intense rain storms of recent days, when it was affected by these new events.
(EFE)
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What are the critical safety measures that residents should take during and after an earthquake to minimize risks?
**Interview with Dr. Ana María López, Seismologist and Disaster Response Expert**
**Interviewer:** Dr. López, thank you for joining us today. We are all shocked by the recent earthquakes that struck eastern and central Cuba. Can you explain the significance of the magnitude of these quakes?
**Dr. López:** Thank you for having me. The earthquakes recorded at magnitudes of 6 and 6.7 on the Richter scale are indeed significant. Such tremors can cause extensive damage, especially in populated areas. While the preliminary reports indicate no fatalities or injuries, the potential for destruction is always present with quakes of this magnitude.
**Interviewer:** The National Center for Seismological Research reported that these were the 13th and 14th earthquakes in the region this year. What does this frequency suggest about seismic activity in Cuba?
**Dr. López:** Increased seismic activity can indicate a variety of geological processes at play. In Cuba’s case, being near the tectonic boundaries can lead to greater frequency of earthquakes. A pattern like this may require ongoing monitoring and preparation, as a series of smaller quakes can sometimes precede a larger one.
**Interviewer:** President Miguel Díaz-Canel urged citizens to take precautions and stay in open spaces. How essential are such measures during seismic events?
**Dr. López:** These measures are critical. When earthquakes strike, particularly in densely populated urban areas, panic can ensue, leading to injuries from falling debris or stampedes. Ensuring that residents stay in open areas or on lower floors can help minimize risk while the damage is being assessed.
**Interviewer:** There’s also mention of electrical breakdowns and landslides in mountainous areas as a result of the tremors. How does this complicate recovery efforts?
**Dr. López:** Post-earthquake recovery is multi-faceted. Electrical outages can impede communication and rescue efforts, while landslides can block access to certain areas. First responders may face significant challenges reaching affected communities. It underscores the importance of having robust emergency plans in place.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what can residents do in the coming days to prepare for aftershocks and ensure their safety?
**Dr. López:** Residents should remain vigilant. It’s important to have an emergency kit ready, understand evacuation routes, and continue to monitor reliable news sources for updates. Engaging in community preparedness drills can also be beneficial. The emotional toll is real, so supporting one another during this challenging time is vital.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. López, for your insights. We appreciate your expertise during this difficult time for the country.
**Dr. López:** Thank you. Let’s all hope for a swift recovery for those affected.
