6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Cuba, Tremors Felt in Florida

A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Cuba's southeastern coast, with tremors reaching as far as Florida. This earthquake, along with aftershocks, caused significant damage in Cuba and affected several regions, including Miami.

Details of the Earthquake

First Earthquake and Aftershocks

• The earthquake struck near Granma province, Cuba, around 10:50 am ET on a Sunday.
• The tremors were felt in central Florida, including cities such as Miami, Hollywood, Boca Raton, and even Orlando, over 500 miles away.

Cuban Impact

• The quake was located along a fault line between the North American and Caribbean plates, known for seismic activity.
• Cuba experienced severe damage, including:
  • Collapsed roofs and walls of buildings
  • Cracked roads and fallen power lines
  • Structural damage to homes, particularly older buildings, which are more vulnerable to quakes.

Cuban President's Response

• Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel immediately responded, emphasizing the need for rescue efforts and life-saving measures.
• He acknowledged the severity of the event, noting that the country had experienced previous earthquakes, but nothing on this scale.
• Damage assessments were underway, and local authorities were monitoring the situation closely.

Tremors Felt in Florida

• Though no significant seismic activity was reported in Florida, Miami residents felt the shaking.
• Local fire officials reassured the public that there were no reported injuries or significant damage.
• The City of Miami specifically addressed concerns from the Brickell/Downtown area, stating that no aftershocks had affected the city.

Aftershocks and Warnings

• Over 15 aftershocks followed the initial tremors, with authorities urging residents to stay alert.
• Cuba's authorities warned that more aftershocks could occur in the coming hours or days, potentially causing further damage.

Cuba's Recent Struggles

• The earthquake hit while Cuba was still recovering from recent hurricanes, particularly Hurricanes Oscar and Rafael.
  • These hurricanes left millions without power and caused significant flooding.
  • The country was still grappling with damaged infrastructure and loss of resources when the earthquake struck.
• The National Hurricane Center continued to monitor Rafael, which had downgraded to a tropical storm after hitting Cuba but still posed a threat to the Gulf Coast.

Conclusion

The 6.8 magnitude earthquake was a significant event for both Cuba and parts of Florida. While the initial shock caused substantial damage in Cuba, Florida experienced mild tremors. With aftershocks and ongoing recovery from hurricanes, Cuba's resilience is once again tested as it works to recover from these natural disasters.