Dr. Enrique Diego Arango Arias, a prominent figure and head of the National Seismological Service of Cuba at the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS), has issued a stark warning about the current seismic activity. Following two earthquakes that struck southeast of Pilón in Granma Province on Sunday, Arango took to social media to express concerns over the damage and complexity of the situation.
On Facebook, Arango revealed, “The situation is quite complicated; significant damage has been reported in Pilón. We need any reports of damages you might have.” He also reassured the public by stating, “It is unlikely for tsunamis to occur in this area.”
Despite the urgency, Arango—recognized as an authoritative voice in Cuban seismology—mentioned his inability to respond to messages or calls, highlighting the importance of social media as a reliable source of information in such critical times.
The initial earthquake, registering a magnitude of 6.0, struck at 10:50 a.m. with its epicenter located 48 kilometers southeast of Pilón. A more intense aftershock followed at 12:49 p.m., measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale, surpassing the first tremor.
The seismic activity has left eastern Cuba on high alert, prompting thousands to seek safety in open, secure areas to brace for potential aftershocks. Social media users have reported feeling the tremors across several eastern provinces and even in the central region of the island.
Pilón, in Granma, appears to be the hardest hit, with the most severe damage reported so far.