Two earthquakes, with magnitudes of 5.1 and 6.7 on the Richter scale, were detected this Sunday in eastern Cuba, with no record of material or human damage so far, according to the National Center for Seismological Research (Cenais).
After the first earthquake was recorded at around 10:30 am in Cuba (15:30 GMT), the country shook again at 11:49 local time (16:49 GMT), with the epicenter 32 kilometers southeast of municipality of Pilon, in the province of Granma, and at a depth of 10 kilometers.
According to the National Center for Seismological Research, in addition to Granma, the earthquake was also felt in the eastern provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba and Holguin, and in the central-eastern regions of Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila.
The two tremors of this Sunday come almost a month after the magnitude 5.1 earthquake registered on October 17 and felt more intense in Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo and Granma (east), without recording any material damage, recalls the Spanish news agency EFE .
EFE also recalls that, in addition to the earthquake, the eastern provinces have been hit in the last few days by intense rain, especially Guantánamo, which was severely affected three weeks ago due to the impact of tropical storm Oscar, with eight deaths and significant damage to houses and agriculture.
Cuba is located in a region, stretching from the Dominican Republic to Mexico, where different tectonic fault systems with significant seismic activity meet.
The largest documented earthquake in Cuba happened almost a century ago: on February 3, 1932, at 1:15 am, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 on the Richter scale caused 13 deaths and around two thousand injuries.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Seismology Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! Welcome to another enlightening segment of our news roundup. Today, we’re delving deep into a significant seismic event that unfolded this past Sunday in eastern Cuba. We’re fortunate to have with us Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a renowned seismology expert from the National Center for Seismological Research—Cenais. Welcome, Dr. Rodriguez!
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. This Sunday, two earthquakes struck eastern Cuba, with magnitudes of 5.1 and 6.7. Can you tell us what these magnitudes indicate in terms of potential impact?
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: Certainly. A magnitude of 5.1 is considered moderate, while 6.7 is strong and can cause serious damage, especially in populated areas. However, the actual impact also depends on other factors, such as depth, distance from populated areas, and local building codes.
Time.news Editor: It’s reassuring to hear that there haven’t been any reports of damage or casualties so far. What can you tell us about the earthquake’s depth and location?
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: The depth and location are crucial in assessing risk. In this case, preliminary data suggested that the earthquakes were relatively shallow, which can increase the shaking felt at the surface. Fortunately, the location was remote enough to minimize human risks. Our teams are still analyzing the data to provide precise information.
Time.news Editor: How does Cuba’s geographic position influence its seismic activity?
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: Cuba is situated near the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. The movement along these plate boundaries can lead to increased seismic activity. While not as frequently affected as other regions, Cuba does experience earthquakes, and it’s essential for us to stay vigilant.
Time.news Editor: With climate change and other natural processes at play, how does that impact the probability of seismic events in the future?
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: While climate change does not directly affect seismic activity, it can influence certain natural phenomena like land subsidence and can lead to secondary hazards, such as tsunamis following significant undersea earthquakes. Thus, ongoing monitoring and research are critical to increasing resilience.
Time.news Editor: Great insights there! So, now that we have experienced two earthquakes fairly close together, does this mean there is a potential for aftershocks?
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: Yes, aftershocks are common following significant seismic events. They can vary in magnitude and may continue for days or even weeks. We advise the populace to remain aware and prepared for these possibilities.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of preparedness, what measures can residents take to ensure their safety during such events?
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: It’s crucial to have an emergency plan in place. This includes knowing evacuation routes, having an emergency kit ready, and practicing drop, cover, and hold-on drills. Education on earthquake preparedness can make a significant difference.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for that valuable information, Dr. Rodriguez. As we wrap up, what would you say to those concerned about these recent earthquakes?
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: I’d reassure them that while earthquakes can be unsettling, the absence of damage and casualties shows that our preparedness strategies are effective. Our research and monitoring will continue to ensure we are ready for future events. Staying informed and prepared is key!
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Elena Rodriguez, for shedding light on these recent seismic activities and for your expert insights. It’s imperative that communities remain informed and prepared. We appreciate your time today!
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: It was my pleasure. Thank you for having me!
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay safe, stay informed, and until next time, this is Time.news; keep an eye on the world around you!