6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Cuba, Tremors Felt Across Parts Of Florida

Cuba Earthquake: A powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck western Cuba, sending tremors across parts of Florida and prompting reports of shaking from residents in several cities, including Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Naples and Fort Myers. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred near Mantua, Cuba, at approximately 2 p.m. EDT. The quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), making it shallow enough for tremors to be felt over a wide area.

While the epicentre was located in Cuba, residents across Florida reported experiencing mild shaking, with several describing unusual movements in homes and offices.

VolcanoDiscovery, a website that tracks seismic activity and collects eyewitness reports, received

numerous accounts from people who felt the earthquake hundreds of kilometres away from the epicentre.

A resident in Winter Park said they noticed their office chair moving unexpectedly while working at a computer.

“Sitting at the computer in an office. I noticed it when my chair rolled from side to side. I felt like I lost my balance although I was sitting,” the resident reported.

In Sarasota, one resident said a desk and door began shaking while they were on the top floor of a three-storey building.

“Was on the top floor of a three floor unit when my desk and door starting shaking mildly. Lasted about a minute or so,” the person said.

Another Sarasota resident described feeling side-to-side movement while lying in bed.

“Lying on the bed, movement side to side. Husband in his office next room came in and said what TH was that. He felt it in his chair,” the resident reported.

In Apollo Beach, a resident said they observed visible vibrations in household objects as the tremors passed through.

“Sitting in a chair next to a bathtub full of water. Felt the chair shaking, water rippling in the tub. Stanley Tumbler sitting on the corner of the tub was visibly vibrating,” the eyewitness said.

Despite the widespread reports of shaking, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries in Florida. Authorities have not issued any tsunami warnings related to the earthquake. Cuba and the broader Caribbean region are situated near several active tectonic boundaries, making earthquakes relatively common.