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 should residents in eastern Cuba prepare for potential aftershocks following recent earthquakes?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Gonzalez. We understand that eastern Cuba experienced two significant earthquakes today. Can you first walk us through the details of these events?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Of course. The first earthquake struck at 10:50 AM, measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale. It was located 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón in Granma province, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Just under an hour later, at 11:49 AM, we recorded another earthquake, also measuring 6.7, which was situated 32 kilometers southeast of Pilón, again at a depth of 10 kilometers.
**Editor:** That’s quite a rapid succession of seismic activity. Has there been any reported damage or casualties as a result of these earthquakes?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** As of now, we have not received confirmation of any damage to infrastructure or injuries to people. Our teams are actively monitoring the situation and are in touch with local authorities. However, we always advise citizens to remain cautious and follow safety protocols during such events.
**Editor:** What can you tell us about the geological significance of these earthquakes?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** East Cuba is situated near several fault lines, making it relatively seismically active. These recent quakes are part of natural tectonic processes in the region. While earthquakes of this magnitude can be concerning, they are part of the Earth’s dynamic systems. Our aim is to continue monitoring these phenomena closely to provide timely data and warnings.
**Editor:** What should residents do in case of aftershocks?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** We recommend that residents familiarize themselves with earthquake safety measures. It’s important to have an emergency kit ready, stay indoors during shaking, and move to a safe location away from windows or heavy furniture. If there are aftershocks, individuals should remain calm and follow local emergency guidelines.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for your insights and for keeping the public informed. We hope for the safety of everyone in the affected areas.
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. It’s important for the community to stay informed and prepared.
