Cuba Shaken by 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Following Hurricanes and Blackouts
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook eastern Cuba on Sunday, following weeks of hurricanes and blackouts. The quake’s epicenter was near Bartolomé Masó, affecting cities like Santiago de Cuba, where residents reported feeling the tremors and experienced aftershocks. Although there were no initial reports of damage or injuries, the earthquake adds to the difficulties faced by the island amid ongoing energy crises and severe weather events that have already caused significant disruption.
On Sunday, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, compounding the challenges faced by the island following weeks of severe weather and sustained power outages. The quake’s epicenter was identified by the United States Geological Survey as being located approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó and was perceptible across various regions, including significant urban centers such as Santiago de Cuba. While residents reported feeling the tremors, there were no immediate indications of damage or injuries. In Santiago, Cuba’s second-largest city, the earthquake left residents unsettled. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old local, recounted how frightened citizens emerged onto the streets and anxiously remained in their doorways following the quake. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” she remarked to The Associated Press, also noting she experienced several aftershocks yet had not received news of damages among her family and friends. This seismic event emerges in a period of distress for Cuba. Just a few days prior to the quake, Hurricane Rafael, classified as a Category 3 hurricane, inflicted damage upon western parts of the island, resulting in widespread power outages and displacing thousands from their homes. The severe weather exacerbated existing energy crises, which had already caused extensive blackouts in previous weeks. This unrest has led to increased protests across the island, indicating a growing frustration among the population as they cope with significant hardships.
Cuba is currently enduring a tumultuous period characterized by adverse weather events and ongoing energy challenges. The recent earthquake adds to the distress experienced by the country after several hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Rafael, which resulted in island-wide blackouts and significant destruction. These circumstances have not only affected infrastructure but have also led to public dissatisfaction and protests as citizens struggle to find stability amidst these natural disasters and energy shortages.
In conclusion, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba serves as yet another challenge for an island already grappling with the aftermath of hurricanes and persistent power outages. As residents report their distress and the potential for aftershocks, the situation highlights the broader issues of infrastructure and societal discontent prevalent in Cuba. The need for sustainable solutions to address both immediate and long-term concerns remains a critical focus for the island’s future.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
