Early Monday morning, a 3.4 magnitude earthquake was felt across the provinces of Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba, as reported by Enrique Diego Arango Arias, the head of the National Seismological Service at the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS). Arango Arias specified that the tremor occurred precisely at 7:29 a.m. and was noticeable in "several localities" within the mentioned provinces.
The earthquake's epicenter was located at coordinates 19.89° N latitude and 75.50° W longitude, approximately 24 kilometers south of Caimanera in Guantánamo, at an initial depth of 30 kilometers. Later, CENAIS updated the depth to 28 kilometers in their bulletin No. 18. Reports indicated that the tremor was felt in the main municipality of Santiago de Cuba and throughout the province of Guantánamo.
Recent Seismic Activity
Just last month, on the 29th, CENAIS recorded another noticeable earthquake in Guantánamo, with a magnitude of 2.9 and a depth of 25 kilometers. Its epicenter was situated 25 kilometers southwest of the Niceto Pérez municipality. According to CENAIS, since the significant earthquakes on November 10th, which had magnitudes of 6.0 and 6.7, a total of 7,727 tremors have been documented. Of these, 132 have been reported as perceptible or likely perceptible.
Community Concerns and Official Response
The surge in seismic activity has raised concerns among residents in eastern Cuba, the most seismically active part of the country. The CENAIS, in coordination with the National Seismological Service, continues to closely monitor the situation and issue information bulletins to alert the population. Enhanced surveillance measures are in place for the most affected areas, while local authorities are working to bolster emergency response capabilities.
Residents of Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo have expressed anxiety over the increased seismic activity in November. The frequent aftershocks have undermined the feeling of safety in these historically earthquake-prone areas. Although no significant damage has been reported, the high number of perceptible tremors emphasizes the need for community preparedness and infrastructure reinforcement.
Authorities urge residents to remain calm, adhere to the recommendations of emergency organizations, and stay informed through updates issued by CENAIS and the National Seismological Service.
Understanding the Seismic Activity in Eastern Cuba
What was the magnitude of the recent earthquake in Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba?
The recent earthquake in Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba had a magnitude of 3.4.
How many earthquakes have been recorded since November 10th?
Since November 10th, a total of 7,727 earthquakes have been recorded, with 132 reported as perceptible or likely perceptible.
What measures are being taken in response to the increased seismic activity?
The CENAIS and National Seismological Service are monitoring the situation closely, issuing bulletins, and enhancing surveillance in affected areas. Local authorities are also working to strengthen emergency response capabilities.