Moderate 5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Eastern Cuba at Shallow Depth Near Maisi

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck 49km from Maisi, Cuba, at a shallow depth of 11.6km. No casualties or major property damage have been reported.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 2:44 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Anadolu Agency

Seismic Activity Detected Along the Southeastern Cuban Coastline

The Caribbean region experienced a notable seismic event early Tuesday as a 5.8 magnitude earthquake originated near the eastern tip of Cuba. According to data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the tremors were centered in the waters south of the Guantánamo province. While the magnitude was significant enough to be felt across regional population centers, the initial reports suggest that the geological impact did not immediately translate into a large-scale emergency for the island's eastern residents.

Technical Specifications of the Marine Epicenter Near Maisi

The earthquake’s epicenter was specifically pinpointed at a location 49 kilometers south-southwest of Maisi, a coastal town known for its proximity to the Windward Passage. According to the USGS, the quake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 11.6 kilometers. Shallow earthquakes of this nature are often felt more intensely at the surface than deeper seismic events, yet the maritime location of the epicenter likely mitigated the direct force felt by inland infrastructure and residential zones.

Assessment of Physical Damage and Public Safety Reports

In the hours following the initial tremors, local emergency services and international monitoring agencies began assessing the impact on Cuba’s eastern municipalities. According to current updates, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or major property damage resulting from the quake. This lack of reported destruction is a positive indicator for the region's resilience, although authorities typically continue to monitor for delayed reports of structural cracks or secondary environmental hazards like small-scale landslides in mountainous terrain.