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 potential dangers of consecutive earthquakes like the ones experienced in eastern Cuba?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Torres, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Torres. We just learned about a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba. Can you tell us more about the specifics of this incident?
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the earthquake was indeed significant, occurring at 11:49 am and centered about 32 kilometers southeast of the municipality of Pilón in Granma province. It had a depth of 10 kilometers, which is relatively shallow and can often lead to stronger surface shaking.
**Editor:** This is the second earthquake reported in the area today. What can you tell us about the first one?
**Dr. Torres:** The first tremor occurred earlier at 10:50 am, with a magnitude that hasn’t been specified yet but was also felt in the region. It was located 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón, also at a depth of 10 kilometers. These consecutive quakes can raise concerns about aftershocks, and we advise the public to remain vigilant.
**Editor:** Have there been any reports of damage or injuries following these earthquakes?
**Dr. Torres:** As of now, we haven’t received any reports of damage to buildings or injuries to individuals. It is important to note that these assessments are ongoing, and our local teams are monitoring the situation closely.
**Editor:** What measures should residents in the affected areas take following these seismic events?
**Dr. Torres:** We recommend that residents stay informed through official channels and prepare for potential aftershocks. It’s wise to identify safe spots in their homes and to have emergency kits ready. Building communities’ resilience against earthquakes is essential.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Torres. We appreciate your insights during this unsettling time.
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for having me, and let’s hope for the safety of all residents in the region.
