Cuban expert warns about seismic surveillance in the Caribbean due to unusual activity and possible tsunami risk

The seismologist Enrique Diego Arango warns about unusual seismic activity in the Caribbean and the need for monitoring due to the potential risk of a tsunami that could affect the northern coast of Cuba.

Santiago de Cuba, one of the cities with the highest seismic risk in the country (Reference image)Photo © CiberCuba

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The head of the Seismological Service of Cuba, Enrique Diego Arango, warned this Sunday about the importance of maintaining constant surveillance in the Caribbean region due to the occurrence of several seismic events within a few hours.

Through a message on his official Facebook account, the specialist emphasized that an earthquake with a magnitude greater than 7.5, with a reverse fault mechanism and shallow depth, could generate tsunami waves that would impact the northern coast of the eastern region of Cuba.

Facebook Capture / Enrique Diego Arango

According to Arango, it is essential to monitor the earthquakes that occur, especially in the northern region of La Española (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) and Puerto Rico, areas with high seismic activity.

His warning comes just hours after specialized media reported a day of intense seismic activity near the 19° North subduction zone, an area where the interaction of tectonic plates causes frequent seismic movements.

This phenomenon occurs when one lithospheric plate sinks beneath another, creating convergent boundaries that can lead to large magnitude earthquakes.

The official news portal Prensa Latina recalled that on February 8, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, triggering tsunami alerts in several countries in the region.

Although these were canceled hours later, the event generated concern in Cuba, where reports of perceptibility were received from provinces ranging from Cienfuegos to Pinar del Río, including the Isle of Youth.

On that occasion, Arango asserted that there were no significant fluctuations in sea level, but he emphasized that seismic monitoring is essential for the safety of the population.

Arango recently reported on his social media that the country's network of seismological stations recorded a noticeable earthquake at 12:24 a.m. on this February 25th.

Facebook Capture/Enrique Diego Arango Arias

The seismic event had a magnitude of 3.3 and was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Recently, the expert addressed recent information that has caused alarm regarding the possibility of a major earthquake in the Caribbean that could impact Cuba.

Through a post on his Facebook profile, the specialist clarified that, while there are areas with geological faults that accumulate significant energy and can generate notable earthquakes, predicting such an event in the short term without concrete data is not possible.

Frequently Asked Questions about Seismic Activity in the Caribbean and Its Impact on Cuba

Why is seismic monitoring important in the Caribbean?

Seismic monitoring in the Caribbean is crucial due to the region's high seismic activity. Recent seismic events and potential tsunamis, particularly in areas such as the northern part of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, require constant monitoring to ensure the safety of the affected populations.

Is there a risk of tsunami for Cuba after the recent earthquakes?

Although an earthquake with a magnitude greater than 7.5 could generate tsunamis that affect the northern coast of Cuba, in recent events no significant changes in sea level have been recorded, which rules out the immediate risk of a tsunami.

What are the areas of highest seismic activity in the Caribbean?

The areas of highest seismic activity in the Caribbean include the northern part of Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the subduction fault at 19° North. These regions experience frequent earth tremors due to the interaction of tectonic plates.

How is Cuba preparing for possible earthquakes?

Cuba is preparing for possible earthquakes through the implementation of seismic-resistant building codes and preparedness measures. Authorities emphasize the importance of proper preparation to reduce risks associated with earthquakes, avoiding unfounded alarmism.

Can a major earthquake be predicted in the Caribbean?

Predicting a major earthquake in the Caribbean in the short term is very difficult without concrete data. Although there are areas with geological faults that accumulate energy, experts emphasize that continuous monitoring and preparedness are essential for safety, rather than relying on alarmist predictions.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.