The year 2024 has set a record for seismic activity in Cuba, with a staggering total of 12,806 earthquakes recorded across the nation. This unprecedented number includes three significant seismic events, two of which occurred on November 10 with magnitudes of 6.0 and 6.7, followed by another on December 23 registering a 6.1 magnitude.
Enrique Arango Arias, head of the Cuban National Seismological Service at the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS), announced via Facebook that these earthquakes originated in sectors of the Oriente Transform Fault. This area is known for its dominant lateral slip movements. The first two quakes struck about 40 kilometers southeast of Pilón in Granma province, while the third was centered south of Guamá municipality in Santiago de Cuba.
Since the seismic activity began on January 10, there have been 8,873 aftershocks following the November earthquakes and 446 after the December 23 event. According to Arango, it is typical for such aftershocks to persist for months, although they should gradually decrease in both frequency and magnitude over time.
The report highlights that out of the over 12,800 earthquakes recorded, 20 were noticeable. Of these, 10 were in the Santiago-Baconao area, five in inland regions such as Moa, Baracoa, Sibanicú, and Varadero, and another five in the Pilón-Chivirico area, where the year's major earthquakes took place. Additionally, it is estimated that 143 potentially noticeable tremors were not reported in bulletins, as many had lower magnitudes but could still be felt near the epicenters.
One of the most impactful quakes was the 6.7 magnitude event on November 10, which was assessed by CENAIS specialists. According to the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS/1998), intensities reached up to VIII degrees in areas like Pilón, Bartolomé Masó, Mota, and Marea del Portillo, while intensities of VII degrees were recorded in Yara, Cayo Espino, and Media Luna. In locations such as Niquero, Campechuela, and Manzanillo, intensities ranged between VI and VII degrees, and Cauto Cristo reported V degrees.
The most severe damage occurred in constructions lacking adequate reinforcement, many of which had previously been affected by historic earthquakes in February 1976 and May 1992 and were never rehabilitated. The absence of structural preparedness, combined with widespread panic among the population—where 100% of respondents reported feeling the November quakes—highlighted the communities' vulnerability to such natural events.
The seismic activity of 2024 not only sets a record but also underscores the urgent need to strengthen preventive measures, structural reinforcements, and citizen preparedness in the country's most vulnerable areas. The high level of seismicity recorded emphasizes the importance of continued monitoring of the Oriente Transform Fault and other high-activity zones across the nation.
Understanding Cuba's Seismic Activity in 2024
What caused the record number of earthquakes in Cuba in 2024?
The earthquakes were primarily due to movements along the Oriente Transform Fault, which is characterized by lateral slip movements.
How significant were the November 10, 2024, earthquakes in Cuba?
On November 10, Cuba experienced earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.0 and 6.7, which were among the significant seismic events contributing to the record activity in 2024.
What were the impacts of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake?
The 6.7 magnitude earthquake on November 10, 2024, resulted in high intensities of up to VIII degrees in certain areas and caused severe damage to structures without adequate reinforcement.
What preventive measures are needed in Cuba following the 2024 earthquakes?
Cuba needs to focus on enhancing preventive measures, structural reinforcements, and community preparedness to better handle future seismic events.