A powerful earthquake struck off the northwest coast of Cuba on Monday, sending tremors across parts of Cuba, Mexico, and Florida. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake measured magnitude 6.1 and occurred at a shallow depth of 26 kilometers (16 miles).
The earthquake epicenter was located about 104 kilometers west-northwest of Mantua, a town in western Cuba, roughly a few hours from the capital, Havana.
Seismologists described the event as unusual for the region. Paul Earle, a USGS seismologist, explained that the earthquake occurred within a tectonic plate rather than along a plate boundary, where most large earthquakes typically occur. Such intraplate earthquakes are generally less frequent and more dispersed.
Historical records indicate that no earthquake of comparable strength had occurred within 322 kilometers (200 miles) of the area since 1880, when a magnitude 6.0 quake struck near San Cristóbal, Cuba.
Although no major damage or casualties were immediately reported, the tremor raised concerns in Cuba, where many buildings have deteriorated after years of economic hardship. Ongoing power outages across parts of the country have also complicated communication efforts.
Residents in western Cuba described scenes of panic as people rushed outdoors when the shaking began. Yusmila Hernández, a 44-year-old resident of Pinar del Río, said it was the strongest earthquake she had ever experienced.
“It felt incredibly strong,” Hernández said. “People ran outside in fear. I’ve never felt an earthquake like this before.”
The shaking was also reported in southern Florida and along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, including the popular tourist destinations of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. In Cancún, residents and workers evacuated buildings as a precaution.
Authorities in the Mexican states of Yucatán and Quintana Roo activated emergency response protocols. However, local officials said there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage.
The U.S. National Weather Service confirmed that no tsunami warning or watch was issued following the earthquake.