News Flash

HAVANA, March 17, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the
coast of Cuba early Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.
There were no immediate reports of damage.
The quake hit at a depth of 11.6 kilometers (7.2 miles) about 49 kilometers
south-southwest of the port of Maisi at 12:28 am (0428 GMT), according to the
USGS.
Cuba had just started to restore electricity following a total power blackout
earlier on Monday, as the United States pursues its oil blockade against the
island's communist government.
The USGS put the alert level for shaking-related fatalities and economic
losses at green, meaning "low likelihood for casualties and damage".
The towns of Imias and San Antonio del Sur may have experienced moderate
shaking, the USGS added.
US President Donald Trump vowed on Monday to "take" Cuba, with reports saying
his administration has signaled to Cuban officials that Washington wants
President Miguel Diaz-Canel to be removed from power.
A 5.0-magnitude quake was recorded off the coast of Cuba on March 6,
according to the USGS.