Significant Earthquake of Magnitude 5.9 Just Reported 47 km Southeast of Baracoa, Cuba A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck near Baracoa, Cuba, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 12:28 am local time. The tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 15 kilometers below the surface, approximately 47 kilometers southeast of Baracoa, in the Municipio de Baracoa, Provincia de Guantanamo. The event was first recorded by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), with subsequent reports from France’s Réseau National de Surveillance Sismique (RéNaSS), which listed the quake at 5.1, and the RaspberryShake citizen-seismograph network and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), both noting a magnitude of 5.9. Earthquakes of this magnitude are typically detected by multiple agencies, and initial reports may vary in accuracy. Based on preliminary data, the quake was likely felt by many residents in the epicenter area. While significant structural damage is not expected, minor effects such as objects falling from shelves and broken windows may have occurred. Nearby populated areas, including Maisi (population 28,300), Baracoa (population 48,400), Rio Guayabal de Yateras (population 25,800), and Guantanamo (population 272,800), should have experienced light shaking. The earthquake’s location and depth suggest it could have triggered localized ground vibrations, but no major casualties or infrastructure failures were reported. VolcanoDiscovery, a platform tracking geological activity, noted the event and encouraged individuals to share their experiences to enhance understanding of the quake’s impact. Further details about the quake’s effects and any potential aftershocks will be updated as additional data becomes available.#earthquake #cuba #baracoa #emsc #rass
