Eastern Cuba continues to experience intense seismological activity following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that shook the region on March 17th. According to the National Seismological Research Center (CENAIS), more than 600 aftershocks have been recorded, keeping residents of Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba provinces on edge.

Current Situation in Eastern Cuba

The epicenter of the main quake was located 37 kilometers southeast of Imías, in Guantánamo. While it was felt throughout the southeastern zone, aftershocks have been constant, some of them noticeable to the population, creating an atmosphere of anxiety amidst the country’s already complex energy crisis.

Official reports indicate damage to homes, state institutions, and educational centers, particularly in the municipalities of Imías, San Antonio del Sur, and Maisí. Civil Defense has urged the population to remain calm and follow established safety protocols for these natural events.

Impact and Authorities’ Response

President Miguel Díaz-Canel and senior government officials have visited the affected areas to assess the damage. “The priority is to preserve human life,” the leader stated during a tour of Santiago de Cuba. Construction and health brigades have been deployed to begin recovery efforts, although resource shortages and intermittent blackouts are hindering tasks.

CENAIS experts warn that the settling process of geological faults can last several weeks. Cuba is in a tectonically active zone, specifically along the Oriente Fault, which borders the southern part of the island.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What was the magnitude of the main earthquake and where did it occur? The main earthquake had a magnitude of 6.0, and the epicenter was located 37 kilometers southeast of Imías, in the Guantánamo province.

2. How many aftershocks have been recorded so far? As of the end of March 2026, more than 600 aftershocks have been recorded, several of which have been felt in various locations in eastern Cuba.

3. Which provinces were most affected? Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba provinces reported the most property damage and perceptible tremors.

4. Are there tsunami risks after these earthquakes? Seismological authorities have ruled out tsunami alerts for Cuban coasts following these events, although they continue constant monitoring.

Sources and Recommended Reading

Russian Fuel Arrives in Cuba Amid Total Energy Crisis
U.S. Intensifies Energy Siege: OFAC Prohibits Russian Oil to Cuba
Cuba in Crisis: Blackouts Extend Over 12 Hours
Cuba’s Civil Defense Updates Hurricane and Earthquake Protocols
History of Great Earthquakes in Santiago de Cuba

How we got here

Background

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