6.8 and 5.9 Magnitude Earthquakes Strike Cuba, Damage Reported, Tremors Felt in Miami

Nov 10, 2024, 06:05 PM

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Cuba at 11:49 AM ET on Sunday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was approximately 40 kilometers south of Bartolomé Masó in Granma province. A second quake, measuring magnitude 5.9, occurred shortly after, with both quakes felt across eastern Cuba and as far away as Florida and Jamaica. Reports emerged of buildings shaking in Miami, and residents in Florida reported feeling tremors. The earthquakes caused damage in areas such as Manzanillo, including landslides, damaged homes, and power lines. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that the National Defense Council is coordinating with local authorities in Santiago de Cuba and Granma provinces. The seismic events add to the strain on the island, following weeks of hurricanes—such as Hurricane Rafael—that have left a trail of collapsed homes, damaged infrastructure, and widespread blackouts.