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 common safety measures residents in seismic zones like Cuba should take during an earthquake?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Lopez, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lopez. We just heard about the recent earthquake that struck eastern Cuba with a magnitude of 6.7. Can you share more details about this event?
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the earthquake occurred at 11:49 am, located 32 kilometers southeast of the municipality of Pilón in Granma province, with a depth of 10 kilometers. This is significant because earthquakes of this magnitude can undoubtedly cause concern among the population.
**Editor:** Indeed. You mentioned it was the second earthquake of the day. Can you elaborate on the first one?
**Dr. Lopez:** Absolutely. The first quake struck at 10:50 am, with a slightly lower magnitude. It was located 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón, sharing the same depth of 10 kilometers. It’s not uncommon for aftershocks to follow significant earthquakes, or for multiple quakes to occur in quick succession in regions like Cuba.
**Editor:** Speaking of Cuba’s seismic activity, we know the region has a history of earthquakes. What can you tell us about the seismic risk in the area?
**Dr. Lopez:** Cuba is situated in a tectonically active zone, particularly near several fault systems. We estimate around 2000 seismic events, ranging from minor to moderate in magnitude, occur every year. While most of these are not felt by the population, our preparation and monitoring systems are crucial for understanding and mitigating potential risks.
**Editor:** So far, there have been no reports of damage or casualties from these recent earthquakes. How does Cenais ensure the safety of residents in such situations?
**Dr. Lopez:** We continuously monitor seismic activity and have systems in place for early warnings. Our team works closely with local authorities to educate the community on safety measures and earthquake preparedness. It’s essential that residents know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Lopez, for sharing this essential information. It’s reassuring to know we have professionals like you monitoring these events.
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me. It’s important for everyone to stay informed and prepared, especially in areas with seismic risks.
