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 measures can residents take to prepare for potential earthquakes in Granma province?
### Interview with Dr. Elena Ruiz, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ruiz. Can you provide us an overview of the recent earthquakes in Eastern Cuba?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Thank you for having me. Yes, on Sunday, November 10, 2024, two significant earthquakes struck the eastern region of Cuba. The first tremor was recorded at 10:50 AM with a magnitude of 6.7, and the second followed closely at 11:49 AM, also measuring 6.7. Both earthquakes had their epicenter located southeast of the Pilón municipality in Granma province, at a depth of about 10 kilometers.
**Interviewer:** Were there any reports of damage or injuries from these earthquakes?
**Dr. Ruiz:** As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of damage to people or structures. Our teams are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as assessments are conducted across the region. Given the depth of the earthquakes, the impact on the surface has been comparatively less severe so far.
**Interviewer:** How does the seismic activity in Cuba compare to other regions in the Caribbean?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Cuba is situated in a tectonically active region, and while we do experience earthquakes, they are generally less intense than in other parts of the Caribbean, like Haiti. However, it’s essential for residents to remain prepared and aware, as the potential for stronger earthquakes exists.
**Interviewer:** What advice do you have for residents in earthquake-prone areas like Granma province?
**Dr. Ruiz:** I encourage everyone to have an emergency plan in place, know evacuation routes, and keep supplies ready. It’s also vital to stay informed through official sources like Cenais for updates on seismic activity.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for your insights and for keeping us informed.
**Dr. Ruiz:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we share knowledge about earthquakes to enhance community preparedness.