6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Eastern Cuba Amid Ongoing Crises
Eastern Cuba was shaken by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake on Sunday, following weeks of hurricanes and outages. The epicenter was near Bartolomé Masó, and the tremors were felt across cities, including Santiago, where residents reported aftershocks but no immediate damage. This earthquake adds to the distress of an already struggling island impacted by recent hurricanes and power outages.
On Sunday, eastern Cuba experienced a 6.8 magnitude earthquake, compounding ongoing challenges following recent hurricanes and widespread blackouts on the island. The earthquake’s epicenter was reported approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó by the United States Geological Survey. The tremors were perceived throughout the eastern part of Cuba, particularly in major cities such as Santiago de Cuba, although no immediate accounts of damage or injuries were reported. Residents of Santiago reported emotional distress following the incident. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, noted that many individuals rushed to the streets and remained anxiously sitting at their doorways. She felt multiple aftershocks but mentioned she had not heard of any significant damage among her acquaintances. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” Ms. Tabío expressed in her statement to the Associated Press. The earthquake struck amid a particularly taxing period for Cuba, which had already been reeling from the impact of Hurricane Rafael that struck on Wednesday. This Category 3 hurricane caused extensive power outages across the island, damaging numerous homes and necessitating the evacuation of hundreds of thousands. The nation had previously been experiencing severe blackouts due to an ongoing energy crisis, which had been exacerbated by the prior hurricane that resulted in fatalities and property destruction.
Cuba has recently endured a series of natural disasters, including hurricanes and extreme weather conditions, leading to significant infrastructural damage and power outages. In October, the island faced prolonged blackouts due to its energy crisis, which compounded the difficulties faced by residents. The government’s inadequate response to these crises has resulted in growing public dissatisfaction, exemplified by small-scale protests throughout the nation.
The occurrence of a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in eastern Cuba highlights the island’s ongoing struggles following intense hurricanes and energy crises. While the immediate aftermath did not reveal injuries or damage, the psychological toll on the citizens, particularly in affected areas like Santiago, is palpable. The cumulative effect of natural disasters has stirred unrest and discontent on the island, indicating a challenging period ahead for the Cuban populace.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
