A powerful earthquake shook southern Cuba on Sunday, with two significant tremors reported within an hour, according to American geologists. The first quake registered a magnitude of 5.9, followed by a stronger 6.8 magnitude shock on the Richter scale.
The tremors shook homes around Santiago de Cuba, sending terrified residents rushing outside Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced on Twitter that the earthquake triggered landslides and damaged homes and power lines, but fortunately, it did not cause any injuries.
The U.S. Geological Survey pinpointed the epicentre about 25 miles south of Bartholomew Massoud, with tremors reaching eastern Cuba, including major cities like Santiago de Cuba. Residents reported that many older homes and buildings could sustain serious damage due to the earthquake, and social media images show broken roofs and shattered windows in the affected areas.
Cuban authorities urged residents to stay alert but did not issue a tsunami warning. The recent quakes follow earlier tremors in both Cuba and Indonesia.