Cuba Earthquake Forces Miami Evacuations – “Shut Down”
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A strong earthquake off Cuba sent tremors across South Florida on Monday afternoon, forcing evacuations in downtown Miami and rattling nerves from Havana to Miami-Dade County.
The 6.1-magnitude Cuba Earthquake struck off the island’s western coast, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was centered about 104 kilometers west-northwest of Mantua, Cuba, at a depth of about 10 kilometers.
The shaking reached Havana and western Cuba. It was also felt across parts of Florida, including Miami. Officials said there were no immediate reports of major injuries or significant property damage.
Miami Government Center Evacuated
In downtown Miami, the Stephen P. Clark Government Center — Miami-Dade County’s main government building — was evacuated after shaking was felt inside.
The evacuation also affected the connected transit hub. Miami-Dade’s transit agency shut down the attached Metrorail and Metromover stations for safety checks. Trains later bypassed the stations while officials inspected the area.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies taped off the building and nearby train stations. Commuters gathered outside and tried to figure out how to continue their trips.
“We tried to get on it and we couldn’t get on it,” commuter Zoyla Edwards said to “Local 10”, referring to the Metromover. “So I went through an Uber to the Government Center and it’s completely shut down.”
The closures created frustration during the afternoon commute. But officials treated the shutdown as a precaution after reports of shaking in office buildings and public facilities.
Cuba Earthquake: Shaking Felt Across Miami
Miami officials said shaking was reported throughout the city. Several buildings felt light tremors, including government offices and other major facilities.
The quake did not produce a tsunami threat, according to local weather officials. Still, the distance of the shaking was striking. Reports came from South Florida and other parts of the state. In Cuba, the tremors shook buildings in Havana and caused alarm in western areas near the epicenter. A hotel manager in Pinar del Río told the Associated Press that people were scared but safe.
“Everyone here is OK,” Flavia Pupo said. “The people on the street are a little bit scared.”
No Major Damage Reported So Far
The offshore location may have helped limit damage on land. Still, shallow earthquakes can cause stronger shaking near the surface, and officials continued to assess buildings after the tremor.
There were no immediate reports of major damage in Cuba. No significant injuries were reported in Miami-Dade. The quake also revived memories of past seismic activity near Cuba. The island sits near active fault systems and has seen damaging quakes before. In 2020, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake near the region was felt across Cuba, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and South Florida.
Monday’s Cuba Earthquake appeared far less destructive. But in Miami, it was strong enough to disrupt the center of county government, shut down key transit stops and remind residents that even a quake far offshore can be felt hundreds of miles away.
