In the early hours of Thursday morning, a noticeable earthquake measuring 5.3 in magnitude shook eastern Cuba. The epicenter was pinpointed south of the Imías municipality in Guantánamo province, as reported by the National Seismological Service.
The announcement was confirmed on social media by Enrique Diego Arango Arias, the head of the institution.
"PERCEPTIBLE EARTHQUAKE WITH EPICENTER SOUTH OF IMÍAS GUANTÁNAMO, 04:56:17 LOCAL TIME, Mag:5.3 Depth: 10km," Arango Arias wrote in a concise Facebook post.
According to seismic monitoring data, the earthquake struck at 4:56 AM local time. The epicenter was located roughly 30 kilometers southeast of Imías, in Guantánamo, at coordinates 19.913° N latitude and -74.431° W longitude. The depth was initially reported at approximately 10 kilometers, but further data suggests a greater depth, which explains why it was distinctly felt across several areas in eastern Cuba.
Residents Report Strong Tremors
Comments on the specialist's post revealed that numerous residents across eastern Cuba felt the tremor, which was intense enough to wake many from their sleep. Descriptions of the quake varied, with some describing it as particularly strong and prolonged.
"It was strong, you couldn't sleep," one commenter noted. "Very strong... it woke me up," said another. "Strong and long," echoed a third.
Reports confirmed the quake was sensed in multiple cities, including Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, and Bayamo, though the intensity varied by location. "It was felt strongly in Baracoa," one user commented. "Very strong here in Santiago," noted another. The disturbance was significant enough to disrupt sleep, with one resident humorously remarking, "Tremendous alarm clock."
High Seismic Activity Zone in Cuba
This earthquake occurred in Cuba's most seismically active region along the Oriente fault, where the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates meet. This area, encompassing the southern parts of the eastern provinces, experiences the majority of the perceptible earthquakes in the country.
Despite the strength of this earthquake, there have been no reports of material damage or casualties. Authorities and experts remain vigilant, however, due to the potential for aftershocks following an event of this magnitude.
The National Seismological Service continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as new instrumental data is analyzed.
FAQs about the Guantánamo Earthquake
Where was the epicenter of the earthquake?
The epicenter was located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Imías, in Guantánamo province, Cuba.
How deep was the earthquake?
Initial reports indicated a depth of about 10 kilometers, but further data suggests it was deeper.
Were there any damages or casualties?
No material damages or casualties have been reported so far.