A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba on November 10, 2024, causing significant concern among residents and officials. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake occurred approximately 40 kilometers south of Bartolome Maso, affecting areas including Santiago de Cuba and Granma province.
Reports indicate that the earthquake was one of the strongest felt by locals, with many describing violent shaking that rattled dishes off shelves. No fatalities or serious injuries have been confirmed, but there has been considerable damage to homes and infrastructure, particularly in older buildings vulnerable to seismic activity.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced that damage assessments are underway, prioritizing the safety and recovery of affected residents. Images shared by state media show collapsed roofs and significant structural damage across the region.
This earthquake follows a series of natural disasters that have challenged Cuba's infrastructure. In October, Hurricane Oscar caused heavy rains and power outages, resulting in at least six deaths. More recently, Hurricane Rafael struck the western part of the island, leading to a nationwide power grid failure that left around 10 million people without electricity.
Seismic activity is common in the southeastern region of Cuba, which is located along a fault line between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. The Cuban capital, Havana, reportedly experienced no effects from the quake.