6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Eastern Cuba Amid Ongoing Challenges
On Sunday, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook eastern Cuba, following Hurricane Rafael and ongoing blackouts. Tremors were felt in major cities, with no immediate major damage or injuries reported. Residents experienced fear, with some minor structural damage noted. The earthquake adds to the difficulties faced by Cubans amid recent storms and power outages, stirring public discontent.
On Sunday, eastern Cuba experienced a powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 in magnitude, occurring against the backdrop of prior hurricanes and ongoing blackouts that have severely impacted the nation. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake’s epicenter was approximately 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso. Tremors were felt across major cities, including Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Guantanamo, with local media in Jamaica also noting the seismic activity. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries within Cuba following the quake. Residents in Santiago, particularly shaken, took to the streets in fear, with some still nervously waiting in their doorways. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, remarked on the intensity of the quake, stating, “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything.” Some observers reported hearing screams and described the quake as prolonged and fierce. Additionally, residents from the town of Pilón shared images on social media depicting minor structural damage, such as crumbling roofs and wall cracks—issues that are not uncommon in Cuba due to the age and disrepair of many buildings. This seismic event has compounded the challenges faced by Cuba, which has recently endured severe weather and power outages. Just a few days prior, Hurricane Rafael made landfall, classified as a Category 3 storm, leading to widespread power outages and the destruction of countless homes. The country has also experienced significant grid failures and island-wide blackouts amid an ongoing energy crisis. This series of disasters has fueled public discontent and prompted small protests as Cubans grapple with the deteriorating conditions they face.
Cuba has faced a series of natural and systemic challenges recently, including hurricanes and extensive power outages attributed to an energy crisis. The impact of Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm that crossed the island shortly before the earthquake, resulted in extensive damage and hundreds of thousands of people without power. The recent earthquake serves as yet another stressor for a population already facing significant hardships and dissatisfaction with governmental provisions.
In summary, the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in eastern Cuba has struck amidst a period of profound difficulty for its citizens, following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Rafael and persistent blackouts. The resilience of the Cuban people is evidenced in their rapid response to the shaking and their expressions of concern for the safety of one another. This event underscores not only the geological challenges that the nation faces but also the pressing need for infrastructural improvements and disaster preparedness.
Original Source: www.news5cleveland.com
