Residents across the southern Bahamas islands experienced mild seismic activity early Sunday morning following a significant earthquake near eastern Cuba. The 5.8-magnitude tremor, which struck at approximately 7:00 AM local time, originated just 49 kilometers southeast of Baracoa in Cuba’s Guantánamo Province at a shallow depth of 15 kilometers.
According to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, which coordinated with both the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the United States Geological Survey, the seismic event posed no tsunami threat to the Bahamian archipelago. Preliminary assessments indicated that light to moderate shaking was potentially felt in the southern islands, including Inagua and Acklins, as well as in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Inagua Island Administrator Quenna Gibson, though absent from the district during the incident, received multiple accounts from residents who reported distinct vibrations. Assistant Superintendent of Police Kelly Kemp described experiencing bed shaking and residential vibrations, with similar reports from Chief Councillor Palacious and other community members. Despite the widespread sensations, no injuries or significant structural damage were officially documented.
Local resident and district council member George O. Harris recounted being alerted by neighbors moments after the tremors began. One neighbor dramatically described being jolted awake by moving furniture, initially mistaking the phenomenon for ‘evilness’ before recognizing it as seismic activity. Harris noted the appearance of new cracks around doorframes in older buildings but confirmed no serious damage to government facilities or local infrastructure, including his Coast FM radio station compound.
Meteorological officials have advised residents to maintain normal activities while remaining alert for potential aftershocks, though none are expected to be significant. The public is encouraged to report any unusual observations through official channels for ongoing monitoring.
