M 5.8 Moderate Earthquake Strikes Near Maisí, Cuba
Areazine synthesizes this USGS earthquake report directly from USGS's official public data feed. See our methodology for full source attribution and refresh cadence.
A moderate 5.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded 49 km south-southwest of Maisí, Cuba, at a shallow depth of 11.6 kilometers. No tsunami advisory has been issued.
What this USGS earthquake report tells you, and what most readers miss
This notice was issued by USGS on April 3, 2026 and geographically references Cuba. Its severity classification of "medium" signals how the issuing agency weighs the risk of harm if no action is taken - "critical" and "high" tier alerts typically carry direct consumer actions, while "medium" and "low" tend toward informational guidance or monitoring advisories. The category it belongs to - Earthquakes - determines the monitoring protocol behind it, which shapes what follow-up action (checking for structural damage, watching for aftershocks, reviewing local building codes) is relevant and which agency holds authority over the assessment.
Most readers skim a notice like this, check whether they are personally affected, and move on. The more useful lens is to verify its scope, source, and timestamp, then compare related notices without assuming that one record proves a broader trend.
Areazine pairs this record with the original agency URL so you can check the primary source before acting. Its related labels are earthquake, seismic, usgs, Cuba.
What Happened
A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 (mww) occurred on March 16, 2026, at 04:28:25 UTC. The seismic event was centered approximately 49 km south-southwest of Maisí, Cuba.
Location Details
The earthquake's epicenter was located at coordinates 19.8399°N and 74.3586°W. According to the USGS, the event occurred at a depth of 11.6 km. This is classified as a shallow earthquake; shallow earthquakes (those less than 20 km deep) are often felt more strongly than deeper ones because the energy is released closer to the surface.
Impact Assessment
The USGS has issued a "green" alert level for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties and damage. As of the latest report, there have been 4 confirmed felt reports from the public, with a Community Decimal Intensity (CDI) of 3.3. The Maximum Estimated Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) was recorded at 5.33. There is currently no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect (tsunami: 0).
What You Should Know
Moderate earthquakes of this magnitude can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings but usually result in light damage to well-built structures. Residents in the region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks. In the event of further shaking, safety protocols recommend that you "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."
Source
Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Original source: USGS Official Notice ↗
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