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Over 300 Aftershocks Follow Latest Earthquake in Eastern Cuba

Wednesday, December 25, 2024 by Richard Morales

Over 300 Aftershocks Follow Latest Earthquake in Eastern Cuba
Rockslides caused by the earthquake - Image by © Daniel Ross Dieguez / Facebook

Following the powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake on Monday, which struck 35 kilometers southwest of Chivirico, the main town in Guamá municipality, Santiago de Cuba province, researchers have tallied a total of 318 aftershocks. Enrique Diego Arango Arias, head of the National Seismological Service of Cuba at the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS), announced on Facebook this Tuesday that out of these aftershocks, at least seven have been felt by the population.

Arango further noted that since the earthquakes of magnitudes 6 and 6.7 occurred on November 10, 2024, in the Pilón area, a staggering 8,482 aftershocks have been recorded. Among these, 137 have been reportedly felt by residents, underscoring significant seismic activity in the region.

The earthquake, which struck at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Monday and marked the 137th of the year, affected over 90 homes and four state buildings. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties, according to the EFE news agency. The tremor was felt across the eastern region of the country, reaching as far as the provinces of Ciego de Ávila and Camagüey in the central-east.

Arango explained to EFE that this earthquake is not a continuation of the ones registered last November with an epicenter south of Pilón municipality in neighboring Granma province, although it did occur along the same fault line, the Oriente fault.

In response to this seismic event, CENAIS released a scientific study on their website on Monday, indicating that earthquakes tend to occur more frequently at night in certain Caribbean regions. This finding emphasizes the importance of understanding the factors contributing to these phenomena.

The earthquake on Monday, centered southwest of Santiago de Cuba, triggered landslides and rockfalls in Babujal, located in Guamá municipality, Santiago de Cuba. It also instilled fear, uncertainty, and destruction, as described in a poignant account reflecting the distress experienced by those affected and their families abroad. The devastation and emotional impact on the most vulnerable communities highlight the severity of the situation and the urgent need for attention, as seen in a Facebook post by Yau Salcedo.

Understanding the Seismic Activity in Eastern Cuba

What caused the recent earthquake in Eastern Cuba?

The earthquake was a result of tectonic movements along the Oriente fault, a significant fault line in the region.

How many aftershocks have been recorded following the earthquake?

A total of 318 aftershocks have been recorded, with seven of them being perceptible to the local population.

Were there any casualties reported due to the earthquake?

No casualties have been reported as a result of this seismic event.

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