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 tectonic factors contribute to the high seismic activity in the Caribbean region?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Lopez, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAI)**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. Lopez. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent earthquakes off the southern coast of Cuba.
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for us to share what we know about these seismic events.
**Interviewer:** We just learned about two significant earthquakes occurring within an hour of each other. Can you help us understand the magnitude and the locations of these quakes?
**Dr. Lopez:** Absolutely. The first earthquake was recorded at a magnitude of 5.9, occurring at 10:50 AM local time, about 22 miles off the coast of Bartolome Maso in Granma province. It was quite shallow, only about 9 miles deep. Shortly thereafter, at 11:49 AM, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit the eastern region, approximately 32 kilometers southeast of the Pilón municipality, also at a depth of 10 kilometers.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite significant. Were there any immediate reports of damage or injuries from these quakes?
**Dr. Lopez:** As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of damage to infrastructure or injuries to people. Both earthquakes were off the coast, which may have mitigated potential impacts on populated areas. However, we are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
**Interviewer:** That’s a relief to hear. Could you explain why these earthquakes occurred in this specific region?
**Dr. Lopez:** The Caribbean region is tectonically active due to the interactions between several tectonic plates, including the Caribbean Plate and the North American Plate. This makes the area prone to seismic activity. The depth of the earthquakes indicates they originated from the tectonic movements rather than human activities.
**Interviewer:** In light of these events, should residents in the region be concerned about aftershocks or further seismic activity?
**Dr. Lopez:** Yes, it’s always recommended to be prepared for aftershocks after a significant earthquake, especially in seismically active areas. While we don’t predict them precisely, they often occur within days or weeks following the main event. We encourage everyone to stay informed and adhere to safety protocols.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Lopez, for sharing your expertise with us today. We appreciate your insights and hope for the safety of everyone affected.
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you. Stay safe and prepared.