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
What caused the recent earthquakes in eastern Cuba, and how do their magnitudes compare to typical seismic activities in the region?
**Interview Segment: Understanding the Recent Earthquakes in Cuba**
**Host:** Welcome to our special segment. Today, we’re discussing the recent seismic activity in Cuba that has caught the attention of many. With us is Dr. Elena Martinez, a seismologist with the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais). Thank you for joining us, Dr. Martinez.
**Dr. Elena Martinez:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s get right into it. Can you tell us about the recent earthquakes reported in eastern Cuba?
**Dr. Martinez:** Absolutely. On Sunday, we experienced two significant earthquakes. The first was recorded at 10:50 AM with a magnitude of 6.7. It was located approximately 48 kilometers southeast of the Pilón municipality in Granma province, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Just under an hour later, at 11:49 AM, another earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck near Bartolomé Masó, also at a depth of 10 kilometers and similarly positioned in relation to Pilón [[1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2024/11/11/earthquake-cuba-bartolome-maso-sunday/76193071007/)].
**Host:** It sounds quite concerning. Has there been any information about damage or casualties?
**Dr. Martinez:** So far, there have been no confirmed reports of damage to people or property. While the intensity of these quakes is significant, the response team is assessing the situation carefully across affected areas to ensure safety and evaluate any potential impacts [[1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2024/11/11/earthquake-cuba-bartolome-maso-sunday/76193071007/)].
**Host:** Given the timing and the closeness of these earthquakes, what can you say about their relationship?
**Dr. Martinez:** In seismology, it’s not uncommon to have aftershocks following a major earthquake, or even multiple significant quakes in a short time frame. The proximity in timing and location can indicate they are caused by the same tectonic stress. We are monitoring the seismic activity closely to provide updates if there are any aftershocks or further quakes [[1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2024/11/11/earthquake-cuba-bartolome-maso-sunday/76193071007/)].
**Host:** This must be quite a challenge for the community. What precautions and steps should residents take during such events?
**Dr. Martinez:** It’s crucial for residents to remain calm and follow safety protocols. They should have emergency supplies on hand and know the safest evacuation routes. In the event of an earthquake, drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops. After the quake, it’s important to stay alert for potential aftershocks and report any damage to local authorities for assessment.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights and the vital information you provided us. We hope the situation stabilizes quickly for all affected.
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me. Stay safe, everyone.
**Host:** That was Dr. Elena Martinez sharing her expertise about the recent earthquake events in Cuba. Stay tuned for more updates.
