Magnitude-6.8 Earthquake Hits Eastern Cuba Following Recent Hurricanes
On Sunday, a magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck eastern Cuba, impacting major cities but resulting in no immediate major damage or injuries. This event follows recent hurricanes that have led to power outages and infrastructural challenges across the island, highlighting the continuous hardships faced by the community in the wake of natural disasters.
A magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, following a series of hurricanes that have recently impacted the island, as reported by News.Az citing foreign media sources. The earthquake was notably felt in major cities such as Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries resulting from the tremor. In Santiago, which is Cuba’s second-largest city, resident Yolanda Tabio stated that the quake caused residents to spill into the streets while others remained anxiously sitting in their doorways. She reported experiencing at least two aftershocks, but had not heard of any damage from her acquaintances. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” she commented to journalists regarding the earthquake’s intensity. Additionally, residents in the small town of Pilon shared images on social media depicting minor damage, including crumbling roofs and wall cracks. The two aftershocks were also registered in Jamaica, where British tourists Carmen Bezzina and Tracy Morgan noted, “We are obviously not used to earthquakes in Britain, so we knew something was happening.” This seismic event follows the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm that affected western Cuba, leading to widespread power outages and considerable property destruction. In October, the island also experienced days-long blackouts attributed to Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis, exacerbated by the long-standing US blockade that hampers the import of essential repair components. A powerful hurricane also struck the eastern regions of the island earlier, resulting in at least six fatalities.
Cuba has faced numerous challenges in recent weeks due to natural disasters, including hurricanes that have caused significant power outages and damage to infrastructures. The situation has been aggravated by an ongoing energy crisis, largely attributed to the US embargo, which restricts the importation of necessary parts for electrical repairs and infrastructure maintenance. Hurricanes and earthquakes pose substantial threats to the island’s communities, making disaster preparedness and response essential components of life in Cuba.
In conclusion, the magnitude-6.8 earthquake that hit eastern Cuba amidst ongoing recovery from destructive hurricanes exemplifies the island’s vulnerability to natural disasters. With no immediate reports of severe damage or injuries, the community’s resilience was evident as residents reacted to the quake and subsequent aftershocks. Continued attention to the impact of the US blockade is also necessary, as it complicates Cuba’s ability to rebuild and recover from such occurrences.
Original Source: news.az
