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 impacts of the recent earthquakes in eastern Cuba?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Lopez, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lopez. We’ve just received reports about two earthquakes in eastern Cuba today. Can you tell us what we know so far?
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me. Yes, this morning we experienced two earthquakes in quick succession. The first one occurred at 10:50 AM with a magnitude of 6.7, located approximately 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón in Granma province, followed by another quake at 11:49 AM, also at a magnitude of 6.7, just 32 kilometers southeast of the same municipality. Both were at a depth of 10 kilometers.
**Editor:** Have there been any reports of damage or injuries from these earthquakes?
**Dr. Lopez:** As of now, we have no confirmed reports of damage to buildings or injuries among the population. We are monitoring the situation closely and will update the public as new information comes in.
**Editor:** Given the magnitudes and the depths of these earthquakes, are they considered typical for this region?
**Dr. Lopez:** Earthquakes of this magnitude can occur in our region, which is seismically active. While these quakes are powerful, their depth of 10 kilometers typically reduces the potential for severe surface damage. However, it’s crucial for residents to remain prepared and vigilant, as aftershocks can sometimes follow.
**Editor:** What should residents do in the wake of these events?
**Dr. Lopez:** We advise residents to stay calm and ensure they have an emergency plan in place. It’s important to check on neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable. They should also be prepared for potential aftershocks in the coming days.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Lopez. We appreciate you keeping us informed about this evolving situation.
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you. It’s important for the community to stay informed and safe. We will continue to provide updates as we receive more information.