This Sunday, a 3.1 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale was felt in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo. The epicenter of the seismic event was located “31 km southwest of Caimanera, in the Niceto Pérez municipality of Guantánamo province,” stated Enrique Diego Arango Arias, head of the National Seismological Service of Cuba, on Facebook.
The Cuban National Seismological Service network recorded the earthquake at 11:53 am local time, pinpointing it at coordinates 19.77 degrees north latitude and 75.40 degrees west longitude, at a depth of 18 km with a magnitude of 3.1, according to the report. “Reports of the tremor's perceptibility have been received from Santiago de Cuba. No reports of material or human damages have been made as of the report's closing,” the information added.
This marks the ninth perceptible quake this year. On Saturday, Arango Arias reassured that the recent seismic activity in eastern Cuba remains within normal parameters. “For those concerned, the seismic activity in our territory is considered normal. Replicas of the November 10th 6.7 magnitude earthquake continue in the Pilón area,” he explained on Facebook, representing the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS).
Arango Arias clarified that “only earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 2.0 are recorded in the Santiago to Guantánamo area due to the Río Carpintero station being out of service. Therefore, the actual number of low-energy earthquakes in this area is likely higher than reported daily. The 3.7 magnitude quake yesterday is part of the routine behavior of this region,” he elaborated.
On Friday, a perceptible 3.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded by the National Seismological Service network at 11:51 a.m. (local time). It was located at coordinates 19.78° north latitude and -75.37° west longitude, at a depth of 23 kilometers, 29 km southwest of Caimanera, in the Niceto Pérez municipality, Guantánamo.
In recent months, several noticeable earthquakes have shaken the island's eastern region. It's important to note that eastern Cuba is the most seismically active area in the country, due to its proximity to the Oriente fault, one of the region’s most active faults. Historically, this area has experienced significant earthquakes, including the recent 6.8 magnitude event on November 10, 2024, which caused material damage in several eastern provinces.
Cuban authorities maintain constant surveillance and urge the population to follow civil protection recommendations to ensure safety in the face of potential seismic events.
Understanding Seismic Activity in Eastern Cuba
Why is eastern Cuba so seismically active?
Eastern Cuba is highly seismically active due to its proximity to the Oriente Fault, one of the most active faults in the region.
What measures are in place to ensure safety during earthquakes?
Cuban authorities maintain constant surveillance and provide civil protection guidelines to help the population stay safe during seismic events.