Janice R. Andrews
A significant earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck off Cuba’s southeastern shore on Sunday, with its effects reaching as far as central Florida. The epicenter was located near Bartolome Maso in Cuba’s Granma province—a region historically notable as Fidel Castro’s revolutionary headquarters.
Seismic Sequence and Immediate Effects
The day’s seismic activity began with a 5.9 magnitude foreshock at approximately 10:50 a.m. ET, followed by the main 6.8 magnitude quake an hour later at 11:50 a.m. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake’s shallow depth of 8.7 miles intensified its surface impact. The event occurred along the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, a known seismically active zone.
Impact in Cuba
The earthquake caused substantial disruption across Cuba, particularly in Santiago, the nation’s second-largest city. Residents witnessed buildings swaying, structural collapses, and road fractures. One elderly resident, Yolanda Tabío, 76, described the intense movement of walls and surrounding structures. While Santiago avoided catastrophic damage, the region experienced numerous aftershocks.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed widespread effects including:
- Damage to residential structures
- Disrupted power infrastructure
- Multiple landslides
- Over 15 significant aftershocks
Florida Feels the Impact
The earthquake’s reach extended well into Florida, with residents reporting tremors across multiple cities:
- Miami
- Hollywood
- Boca Raton
- Orlando
While the USGS didn’t officially record seismic activity in Florida, local authorities, including Miami Fire Rescue, moved quickly to assure residents of their safety. Miami city officials confirmed no significant local impact from the earthquake.
Infrastructure Challenges
The earthquake has further strained Cuba’s already vulnerable infrastructure, which was still recovering from recent hurricanes Oscar and Rafael. The combination of aging buildings and recent weather damage has created significant challenges:
- Collapsed terracotta roofs
- Damaged concrete structures
- Compromised public infrastructure
- Disrupted power systems
Recovery Operations
Cuban authorities have initiated comprehensive recovery efforts, prioritizing:
- Damage assessment
- Emergency response deployment
- Power restoration
- Essential services maintenance
The situation is particularly challenging as it follows the recent impacts of Hurricane Oscar in October and Hurricane Rafael, which brought severe flooding and widespread power outages. Rafael, though now downgraded to a tropical storm, continues to threaten the region as it moves toward Mexico.
International Response
The earthquake has drawn international attention, with neighboring countries and organizations offering assistance to Cuba during this critical period. The Cuban government continues to monitor aftershock activity while coordinating relief efforts for affected communities.
This seismic event serves as a stark reminder of the region’s geological volatility and the importance of disaster preparedness throughout the Caribbean and southeastern United States. While Florida escaped significant damage, the incident highlights the interconnected nature of seismic events in the region and their potential to affect areas far from the epicenter.
