Cuba: Small possibility of tsunami waves as magnitude-6.8 earthquake occurs south of Santiago de Cuba and Granma provinces at around 11:49 Nov. 10 /update 1

A magnitude-6.8 offshore earthquake occurred south of Cuba's Santiago de Cuba and Granma provinces at around 11:49 Nov. 10. The epicenter was about 39 km (24 miles) south of Bartolome Maso, Cuba. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 24 km (15 miles), and moderate-to-strong shaking was probably felt in parts of eastern Cuba near the epicenter, with light-to-moderate shaking felt elsewhere in eastern Cuba; light shaking may have also been felt in parts of Jamaica. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; however, consequent damage and casualties are possible, especially in areas near the epicenter. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The US National Weather Service's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not immediately issue a tsunami warning for the temblor, saying that "there is no significant tsunami threat from this earthquake"; however, it added that "there is a very small possibility of tsunami waves along coasts located nearest the epicenter." Officials may update their assessments in the coming hours.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.