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 can residents prepare for potential aftershocks following an earthquake?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Torres, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Torres. We saw that two earthquakes struck the eastern region of Cuba today—first a 5.9 magnitude quake near Bartolomé Masó and then a stronger 6.7 magnitude one near Pilón. Can you tell us about the timeline and the significance of these quakes?
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for having me. Yes, today has been quite eventful for the eastern region of Cuba. The first earthquake occurred at 10:50 AM UTC, measuring 5.9 in magnitude and located 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón. Just about an hour later, at 11:49 AM, we experienced a stronger tremor measuring 6.7. This one was detected 32 kilometers southeast of Pilón. Both earthquakes had relatively shallow depths of 10 kilometers, which can amplify the shaking experienced on the surface.
**Interviewer:** Has there been any preliminary assessment regarding damage or injuries from these earthquakes?
**Dr. Torres:** So far, we have not received confirmed reports of significant damage or injuries. Our teams are currently assessing the affected areas, but given the magnitude and depth of the quakes, we are hopeful that the impact will be minimal. However, aftershocks are possible, and we advise residents to stay alert.
**Interviewer:** How do earthquakes in this region compare to those in other parts of the world? Is Cuba particularly susceptible to seismic activity?
**Dr. Torres:** Cuba does experience seismic activity due to its location at the boundary of tectonic plates. Compared to regions like the West Coast of the United States or Japan, Cuba’s earthquakes tend to be less frequent and generally of lower magnitude. However, that doesn’t mean we are immune to significant quakes, as today’s events illustrate. It’s essential for residents to be prepared and informed.
**Interviewer:** What safety measures should people take following these events?
**Dr. Torres:** The most important thing is to stay calm and be prepared for aftershocks. It’s advisable to identify safe spots in your home, such as under sturdy furniture, and to have an emergency kit ready. In the event of further tremors, residents should avoid being near heavy items that could fall and cause injury.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Torres, for sharing your insights with us. We hope for the safety of everyone affected by these quakes.
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for having me. Our thoughts are with those in the region, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
