On Sunday, the tranquil atmosphere of Miami was momentarily shattered as tremors from a significant earthquake in Cuba reverberated through the city. The earthquake, recorded at 6.8 magnitude by the U.S. Geological Survey, struck on Cuba’s southeastern coast, closest to the Granma province near Bartolome Maso, which is steeped in historical significance as it housed former Cuban leader Fidel Castro's headquarters during the revolution. Eyewitness accounts and social media buzz confirmed the sensation of the shaking across Miami, leading many to wonder about potential damages and concerns.
The earthquake jolted buildings and rattled dishes, with witnesses describing it as one of the more intense vibrations they had ever felt. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel took to X, formerly Twitter, noting the aftermath where “landslides, damage to homes and power lines” were reported. He stated, "We have begun to assess damages...the first and most important thing is to save lives." This urgent emphasis highlights the seriousness of the situation, as residents responded with alarm when their homes began shaking uncontrollably.
Residents of Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second largest city, felt the quake most acutely, with many reporting shaking strong enough to knock items from shelves. “We’ve felt earthquakes before, but nothing like this,” said Griselda Fernandez, who lived through the event. The region, dotted with older structures, raises concerns about their vulnerability to seismic activity.
While the earthquake’s epicenter was over 600 miles away from Miami, the tremors had far-reaching effects, as evidenced by churned blinds and swaying chandeliers within the high-rise structures of the city. Kenia Fallat, spokeswoman for the City of Miami, reassured Miamians through their statements indicating there were “no reports of injuries or damages” within the city following the quake. Miami Fire Rescue received three calls Monday related to concerns over potential risks, but officials reiterated, “Nothing of concern.”
Fallat also mentioned the city's proactive communication strategy to keep residents informed and calm, dispelling any panic following the quake. Immediate advisories noted there were no detected aftershocks, stating simply, "there is no cause for alarm." This statement responded to growing fears, especially from those witnessing the shaking first-hand from the comfort of their homes.
Social media became flooded with videos of the tremors, with many users sharing moments like shining chandeliers swinging and shades fluttering. One such clip shared by meteorologist Jeff Van Fleet captured the tremor effects as they unfolded firsthand, solidifying the surreal quality of what many residents experienced.
It has been noted by geological experts, including Dara Goldberg from the U.S. Geological Survey, the region has experienced its fair share of earthquakes over the past few decades—around two dozen movements with magnitude 5.5 or greater. Yet, these incidents are not regular enough for residents to grow accustomed to such occurrences. The unusualness—about which many still feel nervous—can sway public sentiment significantly, especially as social media amplifies such experiences.
Even as people expressed fear and confusion, their responses highlight the collective concern over earthquake preparedness and awareness. This seismic event acts as a call to arms for communities to refresh public safety protocols surrounding natural disasters. Indeed, Earthquake preparedness is not merely for those directly impacted at ground zero; it serves as cautionary preparation across state lines as undulating danger threatens populated cities like Miami.
Reports on the ground from Cuba formed the basis for concern back in Miami, drawing parallels as residents reflected on their own structures and the fragility of safety. The geological survey and local city officials have been analyzing any potential aftershocks or new cracks as they monitor the earthquake's wider impact both mechanically and socially.
