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 are the main causes of earthquakes in eastern Cuba?
**Interview with Dr. Laura Vélez, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Vélez. We just received news about two significant earthquakes in eastern Cuba this morning. Can you tell us what we know so far about these events?
**Dr. Vélez:** Thank you for having me. Yes, indeed, we’ve registered two earthquakes today. The most powerful was a magnitude 6.7 that occurred at 11:49 AM, located 32 kilometers southeast of the Pilón municipality in Granma province. This earthquake was at a depth of 10 kilometers, which is relatively shallow and can lead to stronger shaking felt on the surface.
**Editor:** That’s quite a significant magnitude. Was the first quake you mentioned also substantial?
**Dr. Vélez:** Yes, the first quake struck at 10:50 AM with a magnitude that was slightly lower. It was recorded just 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón, also at a depth of 10 kilometers. Both earthquakes happened in close succession and in the same region, which is not unusual due to the tectonic activity we see along that fault line.
**Editor:** Have there been any reports of damage or casualties from these tremors?
**Dr. Vélez:** As of now, we have no confirmed reports of damage to infrastructure or injuries. However, we are continuously monitoring the situation and are in contact with local authorities to assess any potential impact. The priority is always to ensure public safety and gather accurate information as soon as possible.
**Editor:** What should residents in affected areas do in the aftermath of these earthquakes?
**Dr. Vélez:** We advise residents to stay alert for aftershocks, which can happen following a significant quake. It’s important to check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those who might need assistance. Also, ensure that emergency kits are on hand and that everyone knows the safest places to take shelter in case of further tremors.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Vélez, for your insights and advice during this concerning time. We appreciate your work at Cenais and will keep monitoring the situation.
**Dr. Vélez:** Thank you for having me and for spreading the important message of preparedness. Stay safe!
