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The 6.0 magnitude earthquake recorded in the early morning of March 17 southeast of Imías, in the province of Guantánamo, has generated at least 620 aftershocks in just over 24 hours, according to reports updated until 6:00 a.m. on March 18.
The main event occurred at 00:28 (local time) and was strongly felt in several provinces of eastern Cuba, including Santiago de Cuba and Granma, causing alarm among the population. Many residents left their homes during the early morning due to the intensity of the seismic activity.
Specialists indicate that this high number of aftershocks is normal behavior following an earthquake of this magnitude. The greater the intensity of the earthquake, the larger the area of rupture in the Earth's crust, resulting in an extended sequence of secondary movements as the ground readjusts.
However, experts warn that this intense seismic activity does not decrease the risk of a major event in the region. On the contrary, they insist on the need to maintain a perception of danger, especially in the area between Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo, one of the most seismically active zones in the country.
The earthquake occurred along the Oriente fault, which lies between the North American plate and the Gonave microplate, a geological setting that has historically been prone to earthquakes. In the weeks leading up to this event, tremors of magnitudes 5.3 and 5.6 were recorded in the same area, indicating a period of heightened tectonic instability.
So far, there are no reports of casualties or significant material damages, although authorities are maintaining constant surveillance as the situation evolves.
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