Magnitude 6.8 Earthquake Shakes Eastern Cuba, Causes Distress and Damage
Eastern Cuba was struck by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake, causing significant shaking in Santiago de Cuba and nearby areas. While some structural damage was recorded, particularly in Pilon, there have been no reports of serious injuries. The quake follows a series of recent disasters, including hurricanes that affected the region’s infrastructure and power supply, complicating recovery efforts.
A significant seismic event occurred in eastern Cuba, registering a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake primarily affected Santiago de Cuba, the nation’s second-largest city, and surrounding regions, including the Granma province. Local residents experienced violent shaking, leading to reports of dishes rattling off shelves and some structural damage, notably in Pilon, which lies near the earthquake’s epicenter. Many older structures in this area likely added to the vulnerabilities during the quake. Santiago de Cuba’s inhabitants experienced considerable distress, with many fleeing into the streets. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, described the scene as chaotic, noting that people were hesitant to return to their homes out of fear after feeling multiple aftershocks, although she mentioned no significant damage among her circle. The earthquake’s epicenter was located at a depth of 14 kilometers. Initially measured at a lower magnitude of 5.8, this figure was subsequently revised upward. Fortunately, the United States National Tsunami Warning Center clarified that there was no tsunami threat related to this geological disturbance. This earthquake is one of many recent natural disasters to impact the island, which is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Oscar in October and another power outage following Hurricane Rafael. In addition to the recent earthquakes, Cuba has been experiencing ongoing infrastructural issues, particularly in the eastern regions where rolling blackouts have affected communication and recovery efforts. The seismic activity in this part of Cuba can be traced along a fault line that delineates the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, making the region particularly susceptible to earthquakes. Fortunately, the Cuban capital, Havana, remained unaffected by this latest quake.
The recent earthquake in eastern Cuba highlights the geological vulnerabilities of the region, exacerbated by the presence of an active fault line between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. This area is historically prone to seismic events, with Santiago de Cuba experiencing one of the strongest quakes in recent memory. In addition to natural disasters, the region faces challenges related to aging infrastructure, particularly in the wake of hurricanes that have caused widespread damage and disruption in Cuba’s electrical grid. The cumulative impact of these events on the communities and the island’s recovery efforts has been significant, necessitating ongoing intervention and support.
In summary, the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck eastern Cuba has left residents shaken, highlighting both the geological vulnerabilities of the region and the challenges posed by deteriorating infrastructure. While immediate impacts included structural concerns and aftershocks, locals have exhibited resilience amidst ongoing recovery efforts. Furthermore, the absence of a tsunami threat provides some relief, although the region continues to deal with the aftermath of recent natural disasters and power outages, necessitating a concerted response for recovery and rebuilding.
Original Source: www.northweststar.com.au
