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 factors contribute to the potential damage from earthquakes in populated areas?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Herrera, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Editor:** Good morning, Dr. Herrera. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve just learned about two significant earthquakes that struck eastern Cuba this Sunday. Can you tell us more about these events?
**Dr. Herrera:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. Yes, it’s been a significant day for the region. The first earthquake was recorded at 10:50 AM with a magnitude of 6.7, followed by a second quake at 11:49 AM, which also reached a similar magnitude. Both earthquakes were relatively shallow, occurring at a depth of about 10 kilometers.
**Editor:** You mentioned that the epicenters of these earthquakes were southeast of the Pilón municipality. How does this geographical detail impact the assessment of potential damage?
**Dr. Herrera:** The proximity to populated areas can influence the severity of the impact. The first quake was situated 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón, while the second one was a bit closer at 32 kilometers. However, as of now, we have not received any reports confirming damage to infrastructure or injuries, which is a relief.
**Editor:** In terms of preparedness, how does Cenais respond to such seismic activities? Are there protocols in place to alert the public?
**Dr. Herrera:** Absolutely. Cenais has a robust monitoring system in place, and we work closely with local authorities to ensure that residents are informed of seismic activities. We also conduct regular drills and educational programs to prepare the community for earthquakes, helping them understand what to do in such situations.
**Editor:** Given the recurring nature of seismic events in this region, what advice would you give to residents in terms of safety measures?
**Dr. Herrera:** It’s crucial for residents to have an emergency plan in place. They should ensure that their homes are equipped with emergency supplies and that everyone in the household knows safe evacuation routes. Regularly checking in with local news and following advisories from authorities can also make a significant difference.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Herrera, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. We hope for the continued safety of everyone in the affected regions.
**Dr. Herrera:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. Stay safe.
