A 6.8-magnitude earthquake has struck eastern Cuba, compounding challenges faced by the nation due to prior storms. Damage assessments are ongoing, with reports of structural destruction in Santiago de Cuba and Granma. While no casualties have been confirmed, the earthquake exacerbates existing issues from prior natural disasters affecting the region.
A significant earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, struck eastern Cuba, exacerbating the challenges faced by a nation already grappling with the aftermath of recent storms and ongoing power outages. The tremor, located approximately 40 kilometers south of Bartolome Maso, occurred as recovery efforts from prior hurricanes were underway. While no deaths or injuries have been reported thus far, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed substantial damage to infrastructure, including landslides and destruction of homes and power lines in affected regions such as Santiago de Cuba and Granma. Residents described the earthquake as one of the most powerful experiences in their lives, with structural impacts felt in their buildings. Griselda Fernandez, a resident of Santiago, noted, “We have felt earthquakes in the past, but nothing like this.” Older structures in the region, vulnerable due to their age, have suffered severely, as evidenced by images showing collapsed roofs and damaged concrete homes disseminated by state media. The ramifications of this earthquake follow a series of natural disasters, including Hurricanes Rafael and Oscar, which have left significant infrastructure issues and economic instability in their wake. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that neighboring countries such as Jamaica also experienced the tremor’s effects. The current earthquake adds to a growing list of natural disasters that have further strained Cuba’s already fragile conditions. The government is prioritizing recovery operations, focusing initially on saving lives, as they assess the extent of the damage amid a dire economic situation.
Cuba is currently undergoing intense challenges due to a series of recent natural disasters. In particular, the country has faced severe hurricanes that have crippled power systems and infrastructure, causing loss of life and widespread destruction. The earthquake described in the article represents the latest crisis in a line of calamities affecting Cuba. The country’s aging infrastructure and economic difficulties amplify the risks associated with such disasters, rendering many homes and buildings susceptible to significant damage.
In summary, the earthquake in eastern Cuba represents a grave threat to a nation already struggling with the impacts of devastating storms and power outages. The government’s response will be critical in assessing and addressing recovery needs, particularly in light of the vulnerable condition of the existing infrastructure. Continuous monitoring and aid efforts will be necessary to assist affected communities as they navigate these compounded challenges.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
