Unprecedented 6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Cuba, Felt in Mexico and Florida

A powerful earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 6.1, struck the northwestern coast of Cuba on Monday, causing tremors that were felt as far away as Florida and in tourist centers like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum in Mexico.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 26 kilometers, with its epicenter situated 104 kilometers west-northwest of Mantua, Cuba. This location is approximately a four-hour drive from the capital, Havana.

Seismologists noted that an earthquake of this magnitude is unusual for the Caribbean region. Paul Earle, a seismologist at the USGS, explained that the quake occurred within a tectonic plate, where seismic activity is typically less concentrated and less frequent compared to plate boundaries. He added that no earthquake of this magnitude had hit the area within 322 kilometers since 1880, when a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck San Cristobal, Cuba.

“

It was felt strongly. I've never felt anything like it.

Authorities in Cuba have not yet reported significant damage or casualties. However, the earthquake has raised concerns on the island, where buildings are already in a precarious state due to decades of economic hardship. Frequent power outages have also complicated communication efforts. Residents described feeling the tremors strongly, with one 44-year-old woman in Pinar del Rio stating, "People ran outside, everyone was scared... I can't even explain it. It was like an earthquake never happened here before."

In Mexico, emergency protocols were activated in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo states, though no damage has been reported. Similarly, tremors were felt in Florida. Importantly, no tsunami warning or watch was issued following the earthquake, according to the U.S. National Weather Service.

“

People ran outside, everyone was scared... I can't even explain it. It was like an earthquake never happened here before.