The National Seismological Service of Cuba (CENAIS) recorded a 3.8 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale this Saturday, which was felt in the province of Santiago de Cuba. According to CENAIS experts, the quake, which occurred at 7:09 p.m. local time (01:08 GMT), resulted in no injuries or material damages.
The earthquake, the eleventh noticeable one in Cuba so far this year, had its epicenter 41 kilometers southeast of Santiago de Cuba at a depth of 33.8 km. Enrique Diego Arango Arias, head of the National Seismological Service, noted on Facebook that the central CENAIS station in Santiago de Cuba was on alert due to several aftershocks.
"This earthquake, unlike others of similar magnitude, is generating a significant number of aftershocks (aftershocks are always of lesser magnitude than the main quake)," he pointed out.
In 2023, Cuba recorded a total of 7,475 earthquakes, of which 14 were noticeable, with magnitudes ranging from less than 3 to 5.9 on the Richter scale. The Oriente fault, the main seismic activity zone on the island and part of the tectonic plate boundary south of the eastern region of Cuba, was responsible for the majority of the earthquakes in the country last year.
International Scientific Expedition
Cuba is located in a region that spans from the Dominican Republic to Mexico, where several tectonic fault systems converge, generating significant seismic activity. In July, specialists from six countries, including Cuban experts, participated in a scientific expedition in the Caribbean to study the seismic zone of Santiago de Cuba.
During this expedition, researchers from Cuba, France, Belgium, Germany, Haiti, and the United States determined geophysical parameters and used equipment to obtain precise records of potential faults.
Understanding Seismic Activity in Santiago de Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions about the recent earthquake and seismic activity in Santiago de Cuba.
What was the magnitude of the earthquake in Santiago de Cuba?
The earthquake had a magnitude of 3.8 on the Richter scale.
Were there any injuries or damages reported?
No, the earthquake did not result in any injuries or material damages.
What caused the earthquake in Santiago de Cuba?
The earthquake was caused by activity along the Oriente fault, which is the main seismic activity zone in Cuba.