A magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, affecting cities like Santiago de Cuba and causing concern among residents. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries, although minor damage was reported in some areas. This quake followed Hurricane Rafael, which had previously devastated parts of the country, compounding the difficulties faced by the island due to a persistent energy crisis.
On Sunday, eastern Cuba experienced a significant earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale. This seismic event transpired in the wake of numerous hurricanes and widespread power outages that the island has been grappling with. Reports indicate that the tremors were felt throughout various cities, including Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Guantánamo, yet fortunately, there were no immediate reports of severe damage or casualties. Residents in Santiago, Cuba’s second-largest city, expressed their fears and experiences following the quake. Yolanda Tabio noted that citizens poured into the streets, many anxiously remaining in their doorways. She recounted feeling at least two aftershocks, while friends and family reported no significant damage. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” Ms. Tabio commented. Additional reports from social media indicated minor structural damage in the town of Pilón, with images showcasing damaged roofs and wall cracks. The aftershocks were also felt in Jamaica, where British tourists Carmen Bezzina and Tracy Morgan described their surprise at experiencing an earthquake. “We are obviously not used to earthquakes in Britain, so we knew something was happening,” Ms. Bezzina shared. This earthquake follows Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, which caused considerable destruction in western Cuba earlier in the week, uprooting power and damaging homes. This year, the nation has faced prolonged blackouts due to its ongoing energy crisis, attributed in part to the United States’ longstanding embargo affecting vital repairs.
Cuba has faced a series of challenges recently, with natural disasters compounding existing socio-economic issues. The recent hurricane season has brought extensive damage, power outages, and a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the decades-long U.S. embargo, which has limited Cuba’s access to essential resources and repairs. In addition to natural calamities, the island’s struggle with power supply stems from aging infrastructure and economic constraints.
In summary, the powerful earthquake that struck eastern Cuba highlights the island’s ongoing vulnerability, particularly in the wake of recent hurricanes and its energy crisis. Although there were fortunately no immediate reports of significant injuries or damage, the experiences shared by local residents reflect a community grappling with anxieties surrounding natural disasters. As Cuba continues to navigate these challenges, recovery and resilience remain critical for its population.
Original Source: news.az
