Twin earthquakes strike Iran and Cuba within hours, measuring 5.0 and 6.1

Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS

A strong earthquake struck off Cuba’s northwest coast on Monday, while a separate quake hit southern Iran early on Tuesday, shaking residents in both countries. The magnitude 6.1 tremor near Cuba was felt across parts of the Caribbean, Mexico and Florida, while Iran’s magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck Hormozgan province. Authorities in both countries reported no immediate major damage or casualties.

HISTORICALLY RARE QUAKE SHAKES CUBA in nearly 150 years

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off Cuba’s northwest coast on Monday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), in what experts described as a historically strong and unusual seismic event for the region.

The shallow quake occurred at a depth of 26 km, with its epicentre located about 104 km west-northwest of Mantua in western Cuba, roughly two to four hours by road from Havana.

USGS seismologist Paul Earle said the earthquake was unusual because it occurred within a tectonic plate rather than along a plate boundary, where stronger earthquakes are typically concentrated. He noted that no earthquake of similar strength had occurred within 322 km of the area since an estimated magnitude 6.0 quake near San Cristobal in 1880.

The tremor was felt across western Cuba, prompting residents to rush outdoors. “It felt strong. I had never felt anything like that,” Yusmila Hernandez, a resident of Pinar del Rio, told Reuters.

Shaking was also reported in parts of Florida and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Buildings were evacuated in Cancun as a precaution, while authorities in Mexico’s Yucatan and Quintana Roo states activated emergency protocols.

Despite concerns over Cuba’s aging infrastructure and ongoing power outages, authorities reported no major damage or casualties. No tsunami warning or watch was issued following the earthquake.

MODERATE TREMOR STRIKES SOUTHERN IRAN

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck Sargaz in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province early on Tuesday, according to Iranian state media.

The quake occurred at a depth of 22 km beneath the surface. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.

Iran is one of the world’s most seismically active countries and frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location on several major fault lines. Authorities were monitoring the situation following the tremor.

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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA