On Sunday, eastern Cuba was shaken by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that rattled buildings in Santiago de Cuba and nearby areas. Reports indicate that the quake was among the most powerful the residents have felt, with minor damage observed near its epicenter. Fortunately, no major casualties or significant destruction have been reported. The earthquake is the latest in a series of natural disasters affecting the region, complicating ongoing recovery efforts.
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck eastern Cuba, as reported by the US Geological Survey. This seismic occurrence particularly impacted Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second-largest city, and surrounding areas. The earthquake originated off the southeastern coast in Granma province, close to Bartolome Maso, historically significant as it was once the headquarters of Fidel Castro during the Cuban Revolution. Local residents described the tremor as one of the strongest they had ever experienced, with reports of buildings shaking and dishes falling from shelves. Minor damage was noted in Pilon, near the quake’s epicenter, indicating the vulnerability of many older structures in the region. Witnessing the aftermath, Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, recounted, “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” while also noting that people congregated outside in a state of unease following the tremor. Although aftershocks were felt, they did not report significant damage among their acquaintances. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 14 kilometers, initially measured at a lower magnitude before being revised upward. The United States National Tsunami Warning Center stated that there is no tsunami threat associated with this seismic activity. This earthquake comes amid a series of natural disasters recently affecting Cuba, including extensive damage from Hurricane Oscar in October and a power grid collapse due to Hurricane Rafael. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and rolling blackouts continue to disrupt communication in numerous areas affected by the quake. The southeastern coast of Cuba is known for its seismic activity, being situated along a fault line that delineates the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. Notably, the capital, Havana, did not experience adverse effects from the earthquake.
The earthquake in eastern Cuba is a significant geological event, reflecting the seismically active nature of the region. Cuba, particularly its southeastern coast, is home to a fault line that presents ongoing risks of seismic events, making episodes of this nature relatively common. This incident takes place in a backdrop of recent natural disasters, which include hurricanes that have caused infrastructural challenges and power outages, further complicating the recovery phase for many affected residents. Understanding Cuba’s geological landscape is essential in grasping the implications of earthquakes and how they fit into the broader pattern of natural disasters impacting the island.
In summary, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked eastern Cuba has left residents shaken but without significant reported damage. With a historical backdrop of recent natural disasters and ongoing recovery efforts, this incident underscores the vulnerability of communities in earthquake-prone areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as residents cope with the effects of this seismic event amidst a series of challenges facing the region.
Original Source: www.canberratimes.com.au
