5.0 earthquake startles residents in Havana; swaying office buildings briefly evacuated

HAVANA – A 5.0-magnitude earthquake has struck off Cuba in the Straits of Florida, swaying medium-rise buildings in the Cuban capital.

There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The temblor occurred just before 4 p.m. Thursday. It was centered about 112 miles (180 kilometers) east of Havana and 41 miles (66 kilometers) northeast of the tourist resort of Varadero.

In Havana, the quake was felt clearly by workers in two 6-floor buildings that were temporarily evacuated. It appeared to last around 30 seconds.

The U.S. Geological Survey calculated the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.0.