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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How can residents effectively prepare for potential aftershocks following recent earthquakes, according to Dr. López?
**Interview with Dr. Ana López, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais) about the Recent Earthquakes in Cuba**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. López. We appreciate your time, especially following these recent seismic events. Can you provide us with a brief overview of the earthquakes that occurred today in eastern Cuba?
**Dr. López:** Certainly. Today, we recorded two significant earthquakes in quick succession. The first occurred at 10:50 AM with a magnitude of 6.7, followed by another one at 11:49 AM, also measuring 6.7. Both earthquakes were located in the vicinity of the Pilón municipality in Granma province, approximately 48 and 32 kilometers southeast of the town, respectively, and at a depth of 10 kilometers.
**Editor:** It’s notable that both earthquakes had the same magnitude and depth. Was this by chance, or does it indicate something specific about the seismic activity in that region?
**Dr. López:** The similarity in magnitude and depth is indeed interesting. Such aftershocks commonly occur following a significant earthquake in a region, and while it can indicate a pattern of activity, each event must be assessed individually. These specific earthquakes are part of the broader tectonic dynamics of the Caribbean region, where we often experience such phenomena.
**Editor:** Have you received any reports of damage or injuries from the local communities yet?
**Dr. López:** As of now, there are no confirmed reports of damage to people or properties. We are still in the process of gathering information from local authorities and emergency services. However, we advise residents to remain cautious and stay updated on announcements from the government and our center.
**Editor:** What should residents do in the event of such earthquakes?
**Dr. López:** We always encourage residents to be prepared. This includes having an emergency kit, knowing safe spots in their homes, and participating in drills. It’s crucial to stay calm and follow instructions from local officials during such events.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. López, for your insights and crucial information. We hope for the safety of everyone in the affected areas.
**Dr. López:** Thank you for having me. Stay safe!