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 long-term impacts of frequent seismic events on infrastructure in Cuba?
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon and thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent seismic events in Cuba. We have with us Dr. Alicia Martinez, a seismologist from the National Center for Seismological Research. Welcome, Dr. Martinez!
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right into it. We just saw two significant earthquakes today, with the latest one registering a magnitude of 6.7. Can you tell us more about what that means for the people living in the affected areas?
**Dr. Martinez:** Absolutely. A magnitude 6.7 earthquake is considered strong and can cause considerable damage, especially in populated areas. Fortunately, as of now, we have received no reports of casualties or significant damage. The epicenter for today’s quakes was southeast of the Pilón municipality, which may have helped mitigate impact due to its location.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the region’s location. Cuba sits on several active fault lines, correct? How does that contribute to the regularity of seismic activity?
**Dr. Martinez:** Yes, that’s right. Cuba is situated between several tectonic plates, which makes it prone to seismic events. We average about 2000 earthquakes a year, although most are minor and go unnoticed. The fault systems in the Oriente fault zone are particularly active, leading to larger quakes from time to time.
**Interviewer:** What are the immediate measures taken by the authorities in response to these earthquakes?
**Dr. Martinez:** The National Center for Seismological Research is monitoring the situation closely. We have protocols in place for disaster response, including assessments of infrastructure and potential evacuations if necessary. Communication with local authorities is crucial to ensure that communities are prepared and informed.
**Interviewer:** How can residents in earthquake-prone areas better prepare for such events?
**Dr. Martinez:** Preparedness is key. Residents should have an emergency plan, including designated meeting points and emergency supplies. It’s important for communities to engage in earthquake drills and be aware of safe zones both inside and outside buildings.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for sharing your insights on this critical topic. We hope the situation remains under control and that the people of Cuba stay safe.
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me. It’s always important to raise awareness about earthquake preparedness.
