A 6.1 magnitude earthquake shook western Cuba this Monday (8), with its epicenter located approximately 104 km west-northwest of Mantua, in the province of Pinar del Río. The tremor, recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), occurred around 2:00 pm ET at a shallow depth of about 10 km.
Initially estimated at 6.4, the magnitude was revised to 6.1.
O The tremor was felt with moderate intensity in several regions of Cuba, including Havana and western provinces, and crossed the Florida Straits, being reported by residents in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando (including Walt Disney World), Tampa and southwest Florida.
No significant damage or risk of tsunami
ATo date, there are no official reports of victims, injuries or serious material damage.according to Cuban authorities (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Seismológicas – CENAIS) and American agencies.
The tremor lasted about 20 seconds in some areasprompting residents to evacuate buildings as a precaution. In Miami, residents described light vibrations, like light bulbs shaking, but the fire and emergency management departments confirmed there were no structural impacts.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and other agencies have confirmed there is no risk of a tsunami. The USGS classified the loss alert as low (green level), indicating reduced likelihood of severe impacts. Replicates are expected in the coming hours and days, something common in the tectonic region of the boundary between the Caribbean and North American plates.
Context in Cuba
O earthquake occurs amid the serious energy and humanitarian crisis that the country faces in 2026with prolonged blackouts, shortages of fuel, food and medicine.
Although the direct impact of the earthquake appears limited, the vulnerability of infrastructure (many of which is aged) may complicate initial assessments.
Cuban authorities and Civil Defense are monitoring the situation. It is recommended that the public remains alert for replicas, avoids damaged structures and follows official guidance.
