Cubans readied for big quake after flurry of minor ones

Cuba's Civil Defense agency on Sunday called on Cubans to get prepared for a major temblor after the island was shaken by 12 minor quakes within as many hours.

The quakes, with magnitudes ranging between three and five on the Richter Scale, were epicentered 40 km from Santiago de Cuba, which is most quake-prone together with Guantanamo. Both are the island's eastern provinces.

"We are highlighting the measures to be taken in case of a strong earthquake nationwide and in the eastern region," the Civil Defense agency said.

It offered advice on what people should do before, during and after a quake, including preparing a backpack or a pouch with first-aid items, bottled water, canned food, a radio, batteries, a lantern or flashlight, and a whistle in case of being trapped under rubble.

Photos published by Cuba's state newspaper Granma show Cuban families milling about outside, sitting on chairs along sidewalks or the edge of parks away from buildings and homes, as instructed by the agency.

Each year, Cuba registers 10 to 15 perceptible quakes. The last destructive quake that hit the island occurred on Feb. 3, 1932 in Santiago de Cuba, when a 6.2-magnitude temblor damaged some 80 percent of the buildings and killed 14 people. Endi