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 latest earthquake preparedness measures recommended for residents in Santiago de Cuba?
**Interview with Dr. Luis Ortega, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ortega. Could you provide us with more details about the recent earthquakes that have struck Santiago de Cuba?
**Dr. Ortega:** Thank you for having me. Yes, we experienced two significant earthquakes this Sunday. The first occurred at 10:50 AM and had a magnitude of 6.0, followed by a stronger aftershock at 11:49 AM that measured 6.7 on the Richter scale. Both earthquakes were located in the eastern region of Cuba, with their epicenters recorded southeast of the Pilón municipality in Granma province.
**Editor:** Are there any reports of damage or injuries as a result of these earthquakes?
**Dr. Ortega:** As of now, we have not received any official reports of damage to infrastructure or injuries among the residents. Emergency services are currently assessing the situation in the affected areas. We advise people to remain cautious and prepared for any aftershocks, as they can follow a major earthquake.
**Editor:** What is the depth of these earthquakes, and how does that influence the impact they have on people living nearby?
**Dr. Ortega:** Both earthquakes were recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers. Generally, earthquakes that occur at shallower depths are felt more strongly on the surface, which is likely why residents reacted with alarm. The geology of the region can also amplify the shaking, but we are relieved that there are currently no reports of major damage.
**Editor:** Given the frequency of seismic activity in Cuba, what measures are in place for earthquake preparedness and response?
**Dr. Ortega:** Cuba has a well-established disaster response system that includes regular drills and public education on earthquake safety. We encourage residents to have emergency kits, know their evacuation routes, and stay informed about seismic activity through official channels like Cenais.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Ortega. We appreciate your time and the important work you do in monitoring and educating the public about seismic risks.
**Dr. Ortega:** It’s my pleasure. Thank you for spreading awareness about earthquake preparedness.