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
#magnitude #earthquake #shakes #eastern #area #Cuba
How does CENASIS incorporate technology in monitoring seismic activity?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Seismologist at CENASIS**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gonzalez. Could you tell us more about the recent earthquakes that occurred in eastern Cuba?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. This morning, we experienced two significant earthquakes that shook the eastern region of Cuba. The first was registered at 10:50 AM with a magnitude of 5.9, and the second followed just under an hour later, with a magnitude of 6.7.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite a series of tremors. What can you tell us about the locations and depths of these earthquakes?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** The epicenter of the first earthquake was located approximately 48 kilometers southeast of the municipality of Pilón in Granma province, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The second quake, which was slightly stronger, was registered 32 kilometers southeast of Pilón, also at a depth of 10 kilometers.
**Interviewer:** Thankfully, so far, there have been no reports of damage or injuries. How does CENASIS monitor and respond to these seismic events?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Our center continuously monitors seismic activity across the region using a network of seismographs. When an earthquake occurs, we quickly analyze the data and provide updates to local officials and the public. It’s crucial for preparedness and emergency response efforts.
**Interviewer:** What should residents do in the event of an earthquake?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** I encourage residents to remain calm and know the steps to take during an earthquake: Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. After the shaking, check for hazards and be prepared for aftershocks.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for your insights and advice during this situation.
**Dr. Gonzalez:** You’re welcome. It’s important for everyone to stay informed and prepared. Thank you for having me.
