On Sunday, a magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck eastern Cuba, impacting cities like Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Residents experienced panic, but reports of major damage or injuries were minimal. This seismic event follows weeks of hurricanes that have severely affected power supply and infrastructure. The ongoing energy crisis in Cuba stems from an economic blockade, complicating recovery efforts.
A magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, adding to the challenges faced by the nation following weeks of hurricanes and power outages. The US Geological Survey reported the epicenter was approximately 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso. Tremors were felt widely across the eastern region, including urban areas like Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Thankfully, there have been no immediate reports indicating significant damage or injuries. In Santiago, local resident Yolanda Tabio recounted the events, stating that individuals evacuated their homes and remained anxiously seated in doorways. She noted experiencing at least two aftershocks but had not heard of any destruction from her acquaintances. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” she remarked to journalists. Other testimonies revealed panic among residents, with minor damages reported in some areas, particularly in the small town of Pilon. The aftershocks were also perceived in Jamaica, where British tourists Carmen Bezzina and Tracy Morgan attested to feeling the tremors in their Negril resort. “We are obviously not used to earthquakes in Britain, so we knew something was happening,” Ms. Bezzina commented. This seismic event came shortly after Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, wrought havoc in western Cuba, with strong winds leading to outages and the destruction of numerous homes. Cuba has been grappling with prolonged blackouts resulting from a severe energy crisis, which a significant portion stems from the enduring US economic blockade that restricts essential imports. In recent weeks, a powerful hurricane resulted in a loss of at least six lives, further complicating the island’s recovery efforts. In response to these ongoing crises, the Morning Star—a unique socialist publication in Britain—encourages support through subscriptions and donations to ensure the continuation of their critical journalism that highlights the struggles of marginalized communities.
The recent earthquake in Cuba not only underscores the seismic activity in the region but also highlights the compounded challenges faced by the nation due to ongoing natural disasters and an unstable power supply. The US economic embargo has exacerbated the energy crisis, complicating recovery efforts following hurricanes. The local infrastructure has been severely impacted, resulting in power outages and homelessness, which have persisted amidst the backdrop of political and economic struggles. Additionally, the Morning Star serves as an important platform to amplify the voices of those affected by these issues, showcasing the need for support in the context of oppressive conditions.
In conclusion, the recent earthquake in eastern Cuba is a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the urgency for recovery amid an ongoing energy crisis. With reports of minor damage and a quick response from the community, there remains hope for resilience. The intersection of these challenges highlights the pressing need for continued support for both the affected populations and independent media that advocate for their rights and coverage of critical issues. The situation in Cuba reflects broader themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the importance of solidarity within challenging contexts.
Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk
