Powerful Earthquake Strikes Off Cuba’s Northwestern Coast, Tremors Felt Across the Region

A powerful earthquake struck off Cuba’s northwestern coast on Monday, marking the strongest seismic event to affect the area in nearly 150 years. The tremor was felt not only across Cuba but also in parts of Mexico and the U.S. state of Florida.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake measured 6.1 in magnitude. Its epicenter was located approximately 104 kilometers (65 miles) west-northwest of the Cuban town of Mantua. Significant shaking was also reported in the capital, Havana.

The earthquake drew particular attention because tremors were felt in areas where seismic activity is relatively uncommon.

USGS seismologist Paul Earle said the event was unusual for the Caribbean region because it occurred within a tectonic plate rather than along a plate boundary, where earthquakes are more commonly concentrated.

“This type of earthquake is generally more scattered and occurs less frequently than those associated with plate boundaries,” Earle explained.

He added that no earthquake of comparable strength had occurred within a 322-kilometer (200-mile) radius of Monday’s epicenter since 1880, when a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near San Cristóbal, Cuba.

Authorities have not reported any major damage or casualties so far. However, the earthquake has heightened concerns in Cuba, where decades of economic hardship have left many buildings in poor condition. Ongoing widespread power outages across parts of the country have also complicated communication and emergency response efforts.

Yusmila Hernández, a 44-year-old resident of Pinar del Río in western Cuba, described the experience as frightening.

“The earthquake was extremely intense. I have never felt anything like it before,” she said. “Everyone rushed outside in fear. I cannot describe it. It felt like nothing we had ever experienced here.”

The USGS reported that the earthquake was also felt in Florida. In Mexico, tremors were reported in the popular tourist destinations of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum on the Yucatán Peninsula.

Emergency alerts were issued in the Mexican states of Yucatán and Quintana Roo. However, governors of both states said through social media that no significant damage had been reported.

According to the U.S. National Weather Service, no tsunami watch or warning was issued following the earthquake.

Authorities across the affected region continue to monitor the situation while assessing any potential impacts from the powerful seismic event.