A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck eastern Cuba amid ongoing challenges from hurricanes and blackouts. The tremor was felt widely, particularly in Santiago de Cuba, where residents expressed fear but initial reports indicated no major damages. Cubans are grappling with extensive power outages and destruction from recent hurricanes, coinciding with heightened civil discontent.
A powerful earthquake, registering a magnitude of 6.8, struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, exacerbating the hardships faced by the island following a series of hurricanes and extensive blackouts. The earthquake’s epicenter was identified by the United States Geological Survey as being approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó. The tremor reverberated throughout eastern Cuba, including in populous cities such as Santiago de Cuba, yet no immediate reports of damage or injuries have been made. Witnesses in Santiago reported a palpable sense of fear as residents evacuated their homes, taking refuge in the streets and doorways. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, recounted the intense shaking, stating, “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything.” She indicated that while she felt at least two aftershocks, there had been no communications regarding significant damages among her acquaintances. The earthquake strikes during a notably challenging period for Cuba, which has recently endured the impact of Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm that devastated western regions of the island, resulting in power outages nationwide, the destruction of hundreds of homes, and the evacuation of numerous residents. The ramifications of earlier hurricanes compounded the situation; in October, severe blackouts emerged as a consequence of ongoing energy crises, followed shortly by another hurricane that resulted in at least six fatalities. This series of crises has incited public discontent and sparked small protests across the nation as citizens grapple with the difficulties of daily life amid these calamities.
In the recent weeks leading up to the earthquake, Cuba has faced an array of disasters, including hurricanes and power outages that have left significant portions of the population struggling. The island is dealing with an ongoing energy crisis which has led to days of widespread blackouts. Furthermore, the passage of hurricanes has resulted in substantial destruction, including loss of life and property, intensifying the hardships faced by the Cuban people. As a result, there has been an increase in public unrest and protests as citizens express their frustrations regarding these persistent challenges.
In summary, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba adds to the numerous adversities that the island has been facing recently, including severe weather events and power shortages. While the immediate effects of the quake appear to have spared the region from significant damage, the cumulative impact of hurricanes, blackouts, and public discontent underscores a crucial need for attention and support for the Cuban populace during these troubling times.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
