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 were the details and magnitude of the earthquakes that struck eastern Cuba today?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Gonzalez. Can you provide us with some details about the earthquakes that struck eastern Cuba today?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. Yes, this morning, eastern Cuba experienced two notable earthquakes. The first one was recorded at 10:50 AM, with a magnitude of 6.7, located 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón at a depth of 10 kilometers. The second quake, which struck at 11:49 AM, had the same depth and was slightly closer—32 kilometers southeast of Pilón.
**Editor:** That’s quite significant. What can you tell us about the potential impacts of these earthquakes?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** As of now, we have not received confirmation of any damage to people or property. However, earthquakes of this magnitude can cause significant shaking, and we are closely monitoring the situation to assess any possible effects.
**Editor:** Is there a possibility of aftershocks following these earthquakes?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Yes, aftershocks are common after significant seismic events. Although we cannot predict their exact timing or magnitude, we advise residents in the affected areas to remain alert and be prepared for any aftershocks in the coming hours or days.
**Editor:** What measures should residents take to ensure their safety during such events?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** First, it’s essential to stay calm and avoid panic. Secure heavy furniture and objects that could fall during an earthquake. If you are indoors during an aftershock, stay inside and take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture. If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and utility wires.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Gonzalez. We appreciate your time and expertise in helping us understand these seismic events.
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for the opportunity to share this information. It’s crucial for everyone to be informed and prepared.
