Multiple earthquakes, including a significant 6.8 magnitude tremor, were reported off the south coast of Cuba, following a series of hurricanes and power outages. Residents experienced considerable alarm, particularly in Santiago de Cuba. Additional minor earthquakes were noted near Puerto Rico, and while Miami residents felt tremors, officials confirmed no local seismic activity. The islands are enduring tumultuous times as they cope with recent natural disasters and ongoing socio-economic issues.
On Sunday, a significant seismic event struck eastern Cuba, registering a magnitude of 6.8, along with additional quakes of 5.9 and 4.6 magnitudes. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) noted that the epicenter was approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó. Citizens across the eastern regions, including Santiago de Cuba, reported feeling the tremors acutely; however, there were no immediate indications of damage or injuries. In Santiago, residents experienced considerable alarm; 76-year-old Yolanda Tabío described the scene as chaotic, with individuals rushing to the streets and taking refuge in doorways.\”You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,”\” she relayed to The Associated Press, noting the sensation of at least two accompanying aftershocks. Meanwhile, multiple tens of minor earthquakes were recorded near Puerto Rico, raising concerns among residents. Despite perceptions of tremors extending as far as Miami, city officials sought to clarify that no earthquakes or aftershocks had been detected in South Florida, affirming the lack of seismic activity in the area. The seismic disturbances have been compounded by a recent series of calamities faced by Cuba, including the passages of Hurricane Rafael, which significantly damaged infrastructure and left the populace grappling with prolonged power outages which began weeks prior. This sequence of earthquakes follows a period of intense hardship for the island, marked by energy shortages and civil unrest, spurred in part by widespread discontent over living conditions. In conclusion, the earthquakes off Cuba’s coast have exacerbated an already challenging scenario on the island, prompting heightened concerns among residents while prompting a reiteration of safety by city officials in Miami. The resilient spirit of the Cuban populace is under strain as they continue to face the repercussions of recent hurricanes and crippling blackouts, leading to ongoing protests against the prevailing conditions.
Eastern Cuba is currently undergoing significant challenges, including natural disasters such as hurricanes and economic crises that have fostered widespread unrest among its citizens. The island recently experienced a series of power outages and severe weather conditions that have strained infrastructure and challenged daily life. The latest earthquakes compound the challenges faced by the population, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to natural events amidst social and economic instability.
The recent earthquakes near the south coast of Cuba serve as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Rafael and ongoing economic discontent have left many residents in a precarious situation. It is important for local and international authorities to remain vigilant and responsive to the needs of affected communities as they navigate these considerable challenges.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
