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
#magnitude #earthquake #shakes #eastern #area #Cuba
How is the Cuban government preparing communities for potential aftershocks following recent earthquakes?
**Interview on Recent Earthquakes in Cuba**
**Interviewer**: Welcome to our program. Today, we’re discussing the recent seismic activity in Cuba, where two significant earthquakes were reported on Sunday. Joining us is Dr. Elena Torres, a seismologist from the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais). Thank you for being with us, Dr. Torres.
**Dr. Elena Torres**: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to raise awareness about seismic events, especially in regions like Cuba.
**Interviewer**: On Sunday, the eastern region of Cuba experienced two earthquakes, one of 6.7 magnitude and another of 6.8 shortly after. Can you provide us with details about these events?
**Dr. Elena Torres**: Yes, the first earthquake occurred at 10:50 AM, with a magnitude of 6.7, located approximately 48 kilometers southeast of the municipality of Pilón, at a depth of 10 kilometers. This was followed by a stronger earthquake, recorded at 11:49 AM, measuring 6.8 in magnitude and situated about 32 kilometers southeast of Pilón, also at a depth of 10 kilometers [[1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2024/11/11/earthquake-cuba-bartolome-maso-sunday/76193071007/)].
**Interviewer**: So, what has been reported regarding the effects of these earthquakes?
**Dr. Elena Torres**: Fortunately, so far there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or significant structural damage. Our team continues to monitor the situation closely, as aftershocks can occur [[1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2024/11/11/earthquake-cuba-bartolome-maso-sunday/76193071007/)].
**Interviewer**: Given that these events occurred in quick succession, how does the geology of the region contribute to such occurrences?
**Dr. Elena Torres**: Cuba is positioned near several tectonic plate boundaries, which makes it prone to seismic activity. The Caribbean and North American plates can interact in ways that trigger earthquakes. Our ongoing research aims to understand these dynamics better to enhance preparedness and resilience in impacted communities.
**Interviewer**: What measures are in place to respond to such natural disasters in Cuba?
**Dr. Elena Torres**: The Cuban government has a robust civil defense plan that includes rapid response teams and community preparedness training. Additionally, we continually engage in public education about earthquake safety measures.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for shedding light on this important issue. We hope for the safety and well-being of everyone in the affected areas.
**Dr. Elena Torres**: Thank you for having me. It’s vital to communicate this information, especially during times of uncertainty.
**Interviewer**: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay safe and informed.
