Shortly after 3:00 p.m. this Tuesday, a Google earthquake alert began ringing on phones and tablets across Cuba, causing panic among many who mistook the alert for a warning of an impending earthquake.
According to reports received by CiberCuba, the alert was triggered in areas including Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey, prompting quick reactions from users as the sound blared from their devices.
"People rushed to the streets. In Santiago, we have memories of several earthquakes," shared one individual from Santiago de Cuba, recounting the moments following the alert.
Another resident described how she and her family immediately evacuated a building in the José Martí urban district. They moved to a public area away from structures, fearing a potential seismic event.
In response to the panic caused by the alert, official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso attempted to calm the public, stating on his WhatsApp channel: "There was no earthquake in Cuba. More information to come shortly."
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Understanding the Google Earthquake Alert in Cuba
What caused the Google earthquake alert to trigger in Cuba?
The alert was triggered by Google's system, which is designed to detect potential seismic activity. However, in this case, it appears to have been a false alarm as no earthquake occurred.
How did residents in Santiago de Cuba react to the alert?
Residents in Santiago de Cuba reacted quickly, with many rushing to the streets out of concern for their safety, given the region's history of experiencing earthquakes.