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
**Interview with Dr. Elena Sixto, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sixto. We recently experienced a series of earthquakes in eastern Cuba, including one with a magnitude of 6.7. Can you tell us more about what occurred?
**Dr. Sixto:** Thank you for having me. Yes, this Sunday, we indeed recorded two significant earthquakes in quick succession. The first struck at 10:50 AM, with a magnitude of 5.9, and the second, more powerful tremor, was registered at 11:49 AM at a magnitude of 6.7. Both earthquakes were located in the same vicinity, southeast of the Pilón municipality in Granma province, and were relatively shallow, occurring at approximately 10 kilometers deep.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite alarming. Have there been any reports of damage or casualties from these earthquakes?
**Dr. Sixto:** At this point, our reports indicate no significant damage or injuries. However, our teams are actively assessing the areas closer to the epicenters. It’s crucial to remember that while the earthquakes were strong, the absence of immediate reports of damage is a positive sign. We are closely monitoring the situation.
**Interviewer:** Aftershocks can often follow significant earthquakes. Should residents in the affected areas be prepared for this?
**Dr. Sixto:** Yes, it is very common for aftershocks to occur following a significant seismic event. We advise residents to remain cautious and to be prepared for potential aftershocks. It’s important to have a safety plan and necessary supplies on hand.
**Interviewer:** What measures are being taken by Cenais to ensure public safety during these events?
**Dr. Sixto:** Our center is dedicated to monitoring seismic activity in real time. We disseminate alerts promptly through various channels, including social media and local news outlets. We also conduct public education campaigns to inform people about earthquake preparedness and safety measures.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Sixto, for your insights and for keeping us informed. We appreciate the work you and your team do.
**Dr. Sixto:** Thank you for shedding light on this important topic. Stay safe!
