An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, compounding difficulties after Hurricanes and blackouts. Tremors were felt in cities like Santiago and Holguin, with reports indicating minor structural damage. Fortunately, no serious injuries were immediately reported, but the island continues to struggle with the consequences of recent hurricanes, power outages, and infrastructural challenges.
On Sunday, a significant earthquake registering a magnitude of 6.8 struck eastern Cuba, compounding the challenges faced by the island following recent hurricanes and widespread blackouts. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake’s epicenter was approximately 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso. Tremors were felt across various regions, notably in larger cities such as Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo, with reports of the earthquake being perceived as far as Jamaica. Fortunately, there were no initial reports of serious injuries or major structural damage in Cuba. The residents of Santiago, Cuba’s second-largest city, expressed significant concern following the earthquake. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, noted that many people evacuated to the streets and anxiously remained in their doorways, recounting the sensation of two aftershocks. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” she stated to The Associated Press, emphasizing the quake’s unsettling nature. Other residents reported hearing screams during the tremor, and social media posts from the town of Pilon depicted minor structural damages, including falling roofs and cracks in older buildings, which is symptomatic of Cuba’s aging infrastructure. This earthquake occurred in a dire context for Cuba, which has been grappling with a series of crises. Recently, Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, wreaked havoc in western Cuba, resulting in extensive power outages and the destruction of countless homes. Many residents have lost electricity, and as of the article’s publication, power restoration remains incomplete. This follows a tumultuous October that witnessed prolonged blackouts due to systemic energy issues and further hurricane damage that tragically resulted in six fatalities. The accumulation of these hardships has led to heightened dissatisfaction among the populace, sparking small protests across the nation.
The recent earthquake in Cuba is a part of a broader narrative of natural disasters afflicting the island. These disasters come on the heels of Hurricane Rafael, which significantly impacted infrastructure and power supply, exacerbating the existing energy crisis. This series of extreme weather events coincides with deep-rooted challenges within Cuba, including an aging infrastructure, power shortages, and rising public distress manifesting in protests. Understanding these dynamics is key to grasping the impact of the earthquake on the Cuban populace and the existing socio-political fabric.
In summary, the earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 has intensified the distress experienced by Cubans in the wake of recent hurricanes and power supply crises. As communities continue to recover from multiple natural disasters, the situation remains precarious, with older infrastructure posing additional risks. The response of the government and the resilience of the Cuban people will be crucial as they navigate these ongoing challenges.
Original Source: www.news5cleveland.com
