Cuba Experienced a 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Amid Hurricane Recovery Efforts
On November 10, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake impacted eastern Cuba, particularly Santiago de Cuba and Granma province. No casualties have been reported, although residents felt strong tremors and some minor damage occurred. The earthquake comes as the region is recovering from recent hurricanes, resulting in ongoing challenges such as power outages affecting millions.
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, November 10, causing significant tremors in Santiago de Cuba and its surrounding areas. The earthquake’s epicenter was located off Cuba’s southeastern coast in Granma province, near the municipality of Bartolome Maso, at a depth of 14 kilometers (approximately 8.7 miles). Fortunately, authorities have reported no casualties thus far. Residents described this event as one of the strongest seismic occurrences they have experienced. Some minor damage was noted in Pilon, which lies close to the epicenter. While many homes in the area are older and vulnerable to such shocks, Havana, the nation’s capital, felt no adverse effects from the tremor. Additionally, the US National Tsunami Warning Center indicated that there was no tsunami threat following the earthquake. The earthquake hit at a challenging time for eastern Cuba, already reeling from the effects of Hurricane Oscar, which devastated the region in October. Moreover, Hurricane Rafael recently affected the western side of the island, leading to a national power grid collapse and leaving approximately 10 million citizens without electricity. Relief and recovery efforts are currently underway to restore power, while the seismic activity in this area remains a significant concern for both residents and authorities. Historically, the eastern part of Cuba, particularly around Santiago, has experienced considerable seismic activity, and recent events have emphasized the need for preparedness and resilience against natural disasters.
Cuba is situated in a seismically active zone that frequently experiences earthquakes. The tremors can potentially result in severe disruption, especially due to the age and condition of infrastructure in many regions. The eastern part of Cuba, including Santiago de Cuba, is particularly susceptible to earthquakes, which can exacerbate the impacts of other natural disasters, such as hurricanes. The recent hurricanes, Oscar and Rafael, have left the eastern regions in a vulnerable state, increasing the potential for damage during seismic events. The response to such disasters is crucial to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of affected communities.
In conclusion, the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba has highlighted the challenges faced by a region already suffering from massive impacts due to recent hurricanes. With no casualties reported thus far, local authorities remain hopeful, although the significant structural vulnerability of many older buildings poses a continued threat. The need for sustained recovery efforts and preparedness against future seismic and climatic events is paramount for the resilience of the Cuban population. Continuous monitoring from organizations such as the USGS and the TSUNAMI Warning Center is essential for ensuring public safety.
Original Source: jang.com.pk
