A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit eastern Cuba, originating near Bartolome Maso. The quake occurred on November 10, with aftershocks felt across several Caribbean islands. This disaster follows Hurricane Rafael, which previously caused extensive damage in Cuba, highlighting the region’s ongoing vulnerability to natural calamities.
On Sunday, an earthquake initially recorded at a magnitude of 6.8 struck eastern Cuba, as reported by the Associated Press and the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was located approximately 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso, Cuba. The tremor occurred just before noon local time on November 10 and was followed by aftershocks measuring between 4.2 and 4.6. The effects of the quake were felt not only in Cuba but also in Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the open sea north and east of Puerto Rico. This seismic event comes on the heels of Hurricane Rafael, which had devastated Cuba with significant power outages and destruction, leaving many residents displaced.
The recent earthquake in Cuba occurs against a backdrop of environmental hardship, as the island nation grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael. This hurricane had already caused extensive damage, including the destruction of homes and disrupted electricity services, leading to a challenging recovery period. The region’s seismic activity is notable, with seismic events previously affecting not just Cuba but also other Caribbean islands. Understanding the interplay between natural disasters in this region is vital to grasp the full extent of the humanitarian impact.
In conclusion, the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba exposes the vulnerabilities of the region in the face of natural disasters. Following the devastating effects of Hurricane Rafael, the additional trauma from the earthquake underscores the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and resilience strategies in the Caribbean. As communities begin to assess the damage, it is critical to coordinate recovery efforts and support those affected by these compounding disasters.
Original Source: brooklyneagle.com