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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What are the potential consequences of shallow earthquakes like the ones recorded in Cuba today?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Martín, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Dr. Martín. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent earthquakes in Cuba. Can you tell us about the magnitude and timing of the earthquakes that struck this morning?
**Dr. Martín:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. This morning, we recorded two significant earthquakes in the eastern region of Cuba. The first occurred at 10:50 am and was measured at a magnitude of 6.7, while the second one, at 11:49 am, had a similar magnitude. Both events had a depth of 10 kilometers and were located southeast of the Pilón municipality in Granma province.
**Editor:** That’s quite alarming, especially given the size of these earthquakes. Have you received any reports of damage or injuries following these events?
**Dr. Martín:** As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of damage to people or infrastructure. However, we are closely monitoring the situation as assessments are ongoing in the impacted areas.
**Editor:** Can you explain why the depth and location of these earthquakes are significant in terms of their impact?
**Dr. Martín:** Certainly. The depth of an earthquake can greatly influence the intensity of shaking felt on the surface. Both earthquakes were relatively shallow at 10 kilometers, which can cause stronger shaking over a wider area compared to deeper earthquakes. The locations being near populated areas, like Pilón, necessitate thorough evaluations to ensure everyone’s safety.
**Editor:** What steps is Cenais taking in response to these earthquakes?
**Dr. Martín:** Our first priority is to gather data and monitor aftershocks. We are coordinating with local authorities to assess any potential damage and ensure the safety of residents. We are also encouraging the public to stay informed through official channels for further updates.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Martín, for providing us with this important information. We hope for the safety and well-being of everyone in the affected regions.
**Dr. Martín:** Thank you for having me; we appreciate the coverage. It’s crucial that the community stays informed during such events.
