A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck western Cuba at 2:00 p.m. local time on Monday, causing widespread alarm in Havana and several western provinces. According to the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Sismológicas (CENAIS), the epicenter was located 142 kilometers northwest of Minas de Matahambre, Pinar del Río, at a depth of 20 kilometers in the waters of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.
Where was the earthquake felt?
The tremor was felt across dozens of neighborhoods in Havana. These included Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, Vedado, Nuevo Vedado, Playa, Luyano, Guanabacoa, Lawton, Alamar, Santos Suárez, El Cotorro, Regla, Cerro, and Boyeros.
Beyond the capital, the movement was also perceptible in:
- Pinar del Río
- Artemisa
- Mayabeque
- Mariel
- Bahía Honda
- Consolación del Sur
- Güines
- Cabañas
- Isla de la Juventud
Reports of the earthquake even reached as far as Cancún, Mexico, and Miami, Florida.
What was the impact on residents and infrastructure?
Many residents in Havana were caught off guard during their afternoon rest. They described a disconcerting experience where furniture, including beds, sofas, and tables, began to move without explanation.
“I felt it, I thought the building was going to fall,” wrote one user in the comments of a Cibercuba Facebook post.
“The bed was moving… Nuevo Vedado, 8th floor,” another resident reported.
“I was lying down and I felt it in my neck, as if a muscle were trembling. I had no idea. It lasted seconds. I live in Playa,” a resident shared.
Residents living on higher floors reported a more intense sensation. Some users expressed concerns that aftershocks could follow, advising others to stay outside of buildings.
The seismic event has heightened anxieties regarding Havana’s existing structural crisis. The city’s housing stock is currently facing critical deterioration, particularly in the Centro Habana and Habana Vieja districts.
As of the time of publication, authorities have not reported any victims or material damage. Additionally, the risk of a tsunami has been ruled out.
How does this compare to previous seismic activity?
While western Cuba historically experiences less seismic activity than the eastern region, this event marks a significant moment for the area. It follows a 6.0 magnitude earthquake on March 17, 2026, which hit the east of the island and triggered a crisis involving over 800 aftershocks and damaged homes.
Earlier reports from journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso initially placed the magnitude at 6.5 and the epicenter 100 kilometers northwest of Mantua, but CENAIS later adjusted these figures to the official 6.2 magnitude and the Minas de Matahambre location.
Other recent comparable events include:
- April 2020: A 6.0 magnitude earthquake near Sandino, Pinar del Río, which caused no damage.
- June 2021: A 5.1 magnitude tremor in Artemisa that led to the evacuation of the Comandante Pinares Hospital in San Cristóbal and caused minor structural cracks.
The current situation may lead to increased monitoring of the western region for potential aftershocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.2, according to data from the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Sismológicas (CENAIS).
Was there a tsunami warning issued?
No, authorities have ruled out the risk of a tsunami.
Where was the epicenter located?
The epicenter was located 142 kilometers northwest of Minas de Matahambre, in Pinar del Río, at a depth of 20 kilometers.
How are residents in Havana’s older districts coping with the added stress of seismic activity?
