A magnitude 6.1 earthquake shook eastern Cuba in the early hours of Monday, December 23.
The tremor was primarily felt in the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, although reports of perceptibility were also received from Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila, according to the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS).
The head of the National Seismological Service, Dr. Enrique Arango Arias, reported that the epicenter of the seismic event was located 35 kilometers southwest of the town of Chivirico, the capital of the municipality of Guamá, in the province of Santiago de Cuba.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 9 kilometers, which amplified its impact in the region.
The preliminary data from CENAIS placed the tremor at coordinates 19.77 degrees north latitude and 76.61 degrees west longitude.
The official report mentioned "minor damages" in the town of Providencia, in the Granma province, as a consequence of the earthquake.
In a subsequent video appearance, Arango Arias clarified that the earthquake this morning "is not a aftershock of those that occurred south of Pilón, in Granma," nearly a month and a half ago.
The specialist noted that so far, 170 aftershocks from this morning's event had been reported, which he described as "normal."
Impact on the population and damage reports
Although no fatalities or injuries have been reported so far, social media posts have already shown some damage.
In Manzanillo, Granma province, a balcony of the José María Heredia school partially collapsed, as reported on social media by journalist José Ortiz Benet.
That same source showed people from Manzanillo in the streets waiting for possible aftershocks.
Authorities in Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo are continuing to assess potential structural damage.
At CENAIS, experts are monitoring the earthquake that occurred, and the situation continues to be assessed.
Numerous social media users described the intensity and duration of the tremor.
This earthquake occurs less than two months after two strong tremors measuring 6.0 and 6.7 that happened on November 10th, south of Pilón in Granma.
According to the National Seismological Service, since then more than 8,000 aftershocks have been recorded, of which 137 have been noticeable.
CENAIS urges the public to stay informed through official channels.
Authorities emphasize the importance of following the recommendations of civil protection agencies in response to these events.
This tremor underscores the seismically active nature of eastern Cuba, a region historically prone to such phenomena due to its geographic location.
Frequently Asked Questions about the earthquake in eastern Cuba
What was the magnitude of the earthquake that shook eastern Cuba on December 23, 2024?
The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.1, with its epicenter located 35 kilometers southwest of Chivirico, in the province of Santiago de Cuba.
Which provinces of Cuba were affected by the earthquake on December 23, 2024?
The earthquake was mainly felt in the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, although reports of perceptibility were also received from Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila.
How many aftershocks have been recorded since the earthquake on December 23 in Cuba?
A total of 170 aftershocks from the event have been recorded, which is considered normal according to experts from the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS).
What damages did the earthquake cause in eastern Cuba?
Although there were no reported fatalities or injuries, some minor structural damage was recorded in the town of Providencia, in the province of Granma, along with a landslide in the municipality of Guamá, Santiago de Cuba.
Is a tsunami expected following the earthquake in eastern Cuba?
There is no tsunami danger associated with this earthquake, according to authorities from the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS).
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