By Merrilee Gasser, The Center Square
In Summary:
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck west of Cuba Monday afternoon and was felt throughout Florida, including Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, and Melbourne. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates a 97% chance of aftershocks measuring magnitude 3 or greater during the next week and an 11% chance of an aftershock exceeding magnitude 5. Officials emphasized there is no tsunami threat associated with the quake.
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There’s a high likelihood of aftershocks within the next week after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake was felt across much of Florida on Monday afternoon.
The National Tsunami Warning Center assured the public there was no tsunami danger.
The earthquake hit west of Cuba in what the United States Geological Survey called a “notable quake.”
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Thousands of people across the state reported to USGS that they felt the earthquake. USGS said there is a 97% chance of aftershocks over the next week reaching magnitude 3 and above.
“According to our forecast, there is a 11% chance of one or more aftershocks that are larger than magnitude 5, which can be damaging, within the next week,” USGS said. “There will likely be smaller aftershocks within the next week, with up to 47 magnitude 3 or higher aftershocks. Magnitude 3 and higher aftershocks are large enough to be felt nearby. The number of aftershocks will decrease over time, but a large aftershock can temporarily increase the number of aftershocks.”
The earthquake hit around 2 pm about 73 miles from Mantua, Cuba, according to the National Weather Service. Shaking could be felt in Orlando, Melbourne, Jacksonville, Miami, and other areas across Florida.
In Jacksonville, the Fire and Rescue Communications Center said it received calls from several residents reporting shaking.
“Not something we experience every day in Jacksonville, but definitely enough to get people's attention,” the City of Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness Division posted on X.
Lake County closed its offices for the remainder of the day due to conditions experienced locally from the earthquake “out of an abundance of caution.”
Key Points:
- A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck west of Cuba around 2 p.m. Monday.
- Tremors were felt across much of Florida, including Central Florida.
- USGS estimates a 97% chance of aftershocks measuring magnitude 3 or greater this week.
- There is an 11% chance of an aftershock exceeding magnitude 5.
- The National Tsunami Warning Center says there is no tsunami threat.
