THE APEX TIMES
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck in the Gulf of Mexico near western Cuba on Monday afternoon, triggering shaking reports across Florida and into Mexico. Local officials in Florida took precautionary steps including office closures, building evacuations, and temporary transit service suspensions while authorities assessed any damage.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Monday in the Gulf of Mexico near western Cuba and was felt across parts of Florida and Mexico, according to the US Geological Survey and multiple local and national reports. The quake occurred about 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Mantua, Cuba, with an estimated depth of 16 miles, and hit in the afternoon, prompting thousands of calls and online posts about shaking in places that are not commonly associated with earthquakes.
In Florida, residents described strong but brief ground motion. Several local reports cited people who said they felt shaking in homes and offices, including in the Tampa Bay region and farther north. Some building occupants reported that metals and interior fixtures appeared to move or that they initially did not recognize the cause. No injuries or major property damage were reported immediately in the early coverage.
Local government officials in Florida moved to reduce risk as reports came in. Lake County said its government offices would be closed for the remainder of the day “out of an abundance of caution.” In Miami, several buildings were evacuated temporarily, including the county’s main government office building, a 28-story high-rise in downtown Miami, as staff and occupants followed safety procedures while emergency services assessed conditions.
Transit authorities also took steps after the shaking. Reports said service was temporarily suspended for two elevated commuter train routes running through downtown Miami, a precaution intended to protect riders and equipment while inspections could be carried out.
The earthquake was also felt in Cuba and elsewhere in the wider region, including Mexico. The AP reported that the quake shook buildings in Havana and was not accompanied by immediately confirmed injuries or damage. Other reports said the shaking was felt in parts of Mexico, including Cancún, extending the area of public attention beyond the United States.
Geophysical and emergency-response timelines can vary after a moderate event, with additional information sometimes released later about aftershocks, revised measurements, or any damage. For now, authorities have emphasized precautionary actions, including closures and temporary evacuations, while they continue assessing structures and infrastructure potentially affected by the tremor.