6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Off Cuba Felt in Florida

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off Cuba on Monday and was felt in parts of Florida and Mexico, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was centered about 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Mantua, Cuba, at a depth of 16 miles. Officials said there were no immediate reports of injuries, deaths, or major damage.

Residents in Florida, including the Tampa Bay area, reported noticeable shaking in a region where earthquakes are uncommon. In Mexico, evacuations were reported in Cancún, and tremors were also felt in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, prompting precautionary measures in public areas.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami danger for the U.S. east and southern coasts or for eastern coastal Canada. The center said the earthquake was not expected to generate a tsunami based on available information and historical records.

Seismic history near western Cuba

The earthquake was described as the strongest tremor in the region in nearly 150 years. A U.S. Geological Survey seismologist said the last quake of a similar size within 200 miles of Monday’s event occurred in 1880, when a 6.0-magnitude tremor struck near San Cristóbal, Cuba.

Monday’s quake occurred in the afternoon, according to the report. While the shaking was felt across a wide area, officials said impacts appeared limited to brief disruptions and precautionary actions.

What authorities are watching next

Emergency officials will continue monitoring for aftershocks and any delayed damage reports as assessments continue in affected areas.