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 safety measures should residents take after experiencing significant earthquakes?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Rodriguez, Seismologist at the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais)**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Rodriguez. Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent earthquakes that have struck southern Cuba. Can you start by summarizing what just occurred?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Thank you for having me. On Sunday, we experienced a series of earthquakes off the coast of southern Cuba. The first was a powerful 5.9 magnitude quake at 10:50 am, located approximately 48 kilometers southeast of the Pilón municipality. This was followed by a more intense 6.7 magnitude quake at 11:49 am, which was recorded about 32 kilometers southeast of Pilón. Both earthquakes were relatively shallow, occurring at depths of around 10 kilometers.
**Host:** That’s quite alarming. Were there any immediate reports of damage or injuries following these quakes?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** As of now, we have not received any confirmed reports of damage to people or property. Our teams are still monitoring the situation closely and are in contact with local authorities. It’s important to note that due to the depth of these tremors, the likelihood of significant damage decreases.
**Host:** Given that two earthquakes struck in quick succession, can you explain how these events can occur so closely together?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Earthquakes often cluster in time and space due to the complex nature of the Earth’s tectonic plates. The first quake can sometimes relieve stress along a fault line, allowing for subsequent quakes to occur. This could be what we’re observing in this instance, but we need further analysis to determine any definitive correlation.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez. Are there safety measures that residents should be aware of in the wake of these earthquakes?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Absolutely. Residents should always be prepared for aftershocks following a significant earthquake. We recommend having an emergency kit ready, establishing a communication plan with family and friends, and knowing the safest places to take cover when shaking starts. It’s crucial to stay informed through local news and official sources, such as Cenais.
**Host:** Thank you for that important information and for your insights, Dr. Rodriguez. We appreciate your time today.
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Thank you for having me. Stay safe, everyone.
