On the morning of Sunday, March 9, 2025, eastern Cuba experienced two earthquakes with magnitudes of 3.7 and 3.8, as confirmed by seismic monitoring reports. The initial tremor, registering a magnitude of 3.7, struck at 11:36 a.m. local time. It originated at a depth of 42 kilometers, with an epicenter situated 65 kilometers east of Guantánamo.
Shortly after, a second quake of magnitude 3.8 occurred 35 kilometers south of Baracoa, at a depth of 39 kilometers, according to the Facebook page 'Alerta Mundial / Terremotos y Desastres'. As of now, there have been no reports of damage or casualties, but authorities advise the public to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks.
Enrique Diego Arango Arias, head of the National Seismological Service of Cuba at the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS), confirmed the event on social media. "This morning, our network of seismological stations recorded two earthquakes in the southeastern part of the country, centered on the Oriente fault. A map displaying both quakes and preliminary data has been shared. Many friends have asked why no official statement has been released, even though the information is on our website and some agencies are reporting it," the expert explained.
Arango Arias further clarified, "The reason is that we haven't received any public reports of the earthquakes being felt, and unless such reports are received, they are not officially categorized as perceptible quakes. It's likely they were sensed, but the lack of information could be due to the area's low population density and poor communication coverage."
Additionally, the earthquakes were promptly reported by official journalist Jose Miguel Solís on his social media channels.
Recent Seismic Activity in Eastern Cuba
In recent weeks, eastern Cuba has witnessed a noticeable increase in seismic activity. On February 25, a 3.3 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Bartolomé Masó in Granma. Another tremor, with a magnitude of 2.9, shook the same province on March 7.
Despite this uptick in activity, Arango Arias has assured that there is no significant tsunami risk for Cuban coasts based on historical data and models. It's crucial to note that eastern Cuba is the most seismically active region of the country due to its proximity to the Oriente fault, one of the region's most active faults.
This area has historically experienced significant earthquakes, including a recent 6.8 magnitude quake on November 10, 2024, which caused material damage in several eastern provinces. Cuban authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and urge citizens to follow civil protection guidelines to ensure their safety during potential seismic events.
Understanding Seismic Activity in Eastern Cuba
Why is eastern Cuba prone to earthquakes?
Eastern Cuba is prone to earthquakes because it is located near the Oriente fault, which is one of the most active faults in the region.
Have there been any reports of damage from the recent earthquakes?
As of now, no reports of damage or casualties have been made in relation to the recent earthquakes.
What measures are authorities taking to ensure public safety?
Authorities are maintaining constant surveillance and urging the public to adhere to civil protection guidelines to stay safe in the event of future seismic activity.