A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck off Cuba's northwest coast Monday, sending tremors through parts of Cuba, Mexico, and Florida – regions typically unaccustomed to such significant seismic activity.The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quake at a magnitude 6.1, originating from a relatively shallow depth of 26 km (16 miles). The agency pinpointed its epicentre 104 km west-northwest of Mantua, Cuba, a location approximately two to four hours by car from the capital city, Havana.In Cuba, decades of economic hardship have left many buildings in severe disrepair, making them particularly vulnerable to seismic events. Furthermore, communication across the region has been significantly hampered by ongoing widespread blackouts. Emergency protocols were activated in Mexico's Yucatan and Quintana Roo states, but there were not yet reports of damage, the state's governors both said on social media (AFP via Getty Images)Yusmila Hernandez, 44, from Pinar del Rio, vividly described the experience: "It felt strong. I had never felt anything like that." She added: "People ran outside, everyone scared. I can’t even explain it. It felt like no earthquake has ever felt here before."Shaking was also reported in Florida, while in Mexico, the resort cities of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, on the Yucatan peninsula, experienced the tremors. Residents and workers in Cancun's city centre, unfamiliar with strong quakes, promptly evacuated buildings.Emergency protocols were activated in Mexico's Yucatan and Quintana Roo states, but governors from both confirmed on social media that there were not yet reports of damage. The U.S. National Weather Service also stated that no tsunami warning or watch was issued after the earthquake.