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 strategies does the National Center for Seismological Research have in place to monitor seismic activity in real-time?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Lopez, Seismologist, National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lopez. We’ve just received reports of two significant earthquakes that shook eastern Cuba this Sunday. Can you tell us more about these events?
**Dr. Lopez**: Absolutely. We recorded two earthquakes today, the first at 10:50 AM with a magnitude of 6.7, and the second at 11:49 AM, which had a slightly lower magnitude of 6.8. Both quakes were relatively shallow, occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers, which can increase the potential for ground shaking felt at the surface.
**Editor**: That’s quite a frightening situation for residents in the area. Where were the epicenters located for these earthquakes?
**Dr. Lopez**: The first quake was centered about 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón, while the second occurred approximately 32 kilometers southeast of the same municipality in Granma province. This alignment in epicenters might suggest a tectonic activity focus in that region.
**Editor**: Have there been any reports of casualties or significant damage so far?
**Dr. Lopez**: As of now, the information from our monitoring systems indicates no confirmed reports of damage to people or property. However, we are still awaiting assessments, especially given that both earthquakes occurred within an hour of each other.
**Editor**: Given that these earthquakes followed an already tumultuous period of hurricanes and blackouts in Cuba, what advice would you give to residents in affected regions?
**Dr. Lopez**: It’s imperative for individuals to remain vigilant and prepared for aftershocks, which can often follow significant seismic events. We recommend that residents secure heavy furniture, have emergency supplies at hand, and stay informed through official channels for updates and safety information.
**Editor**: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Lopez. As we continue to monitor the situation, we hope for the safety and quick recovery of those impacted in Cuba.
**Dr. Lopez**: Thank you for having me, and I echo those hopes for the community.
