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 measures is Cuba implementing to prepare for future earthquakes in light of recent seismic events?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. Gonzalez. Thank you for joining us today. We just learned of two significant earthquakes that struck eastern Cuba this Sunday. Can you tell us more about these events?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. Yes, we experienced two earthquakes this morning. The first occurred at 10:50 am with a magnitude of 5.9, and it was located about 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón in the Granma province. Just an hour later, at 11:49 am, we recorded a stronger quake with a magnitude of 6.7, located 32 kilometers southeast of the same municipality. Both earthquakes had a depth of approximately 10 kilometers.
**Interviewer:** That sounds quite alarming. Have there been any reports of damage or injuries following these quakes?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** So far, there have not been any confirmed reports of damage to people or infrastructure. Our teams are continuing to monitor the situation and conduct assessments in affected areas, but as of now, there hasn’t been any indication of significant destruction.
**Interviewer:** That’s a relief to hear. Given the volcanic and tectonic activity in the region, how prepared is Cuba for these types of seismic events?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Cuba has made considerable investments in seismic monitoring and disaster preparedness over the years. Our National Center for Seismological Research has a network of monitoring stations to detect and assess earthquakes quickly. Additionally, we conduct regular drills and public awareness campaigns to educate the community on safety measures during an earthquake.
**Interviewer:** Are there any immediate precautions that people in the affected areas should take right now?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** We advise residents to remain alert and prepared for potential aftershocks, which are common following significant earthquakes. It’s essential to have an emergency plan in place, including knowing safe spots to take cover, and having basic supplies ready. We recommend staying tuned to updates from local authorities.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for your insights and expertise during this event. We appreciate your time.
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. Stay safe.
