A powerful earthquake struck off the coast near Cuba on Monday, shaking parts of the Caribbean and causing tremors throughout Mexico and the southern United States.
Reports describe the recent earthquake as the strongest to occur in the region in almost 150 years.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.1. Its epicenter is just west of Cuba in the Gulf region. Authorities initially reported a higher magnitude before revising it downward.
The tremors were widely felt across the island, including Havana, where residents reported buildings swaying and people running out as a precaution.
Tremors were also reported in some parts of Mexico, particularly in coastal tourist areas, where residents described several seconds of continuous shaking.
In the United States, tremors reached parts of Florida, including cities along the Gulf Coast and central regions, where residents said furniture and water inside homes visibly moved.
Authorities said there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, although assessments are still being conducted in the affected regions.
The earthquake is believed to have originated along active fault systems in the Caribbean region, an area known for its frequent seismic activity linked to the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates.
Experts say the region has experienced major historic earthquakes, but events of this extent and intensity remain relatively rare, particularly when felt in multiple countries at the same time.
Authorities have warned that aftershocks are possible in the coming hours as monitoring continues.
