The road connecting Granma and Santiago de Cuba is closed due to landslides from a December 23 earthquake. Agencies are clearing debris and assessing damage while ensuring public safety. Over 300 aftershocks have been recorded, with no fatalities reported, although structural damage has occurred to homes and buildings.
The roadway linking the provinces of Granma and Santiago de Cuba remains inaccessible due to extensive landslides triggered by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the municipality of Guamá in the early morning of December 23, 2024. Various agencies, including Housing, the Provincial Road Center, and the National Seismological Research Service (SENAIS), are actively engaged in assessing the damage and coordinating efforts to restore access to affected communities. Workers from Emproy 15 are prioritizing the clearance of large boulders, some weighing up to four tons, that have obstructed the road, isolating towns such as La Plata and La Magdalena.
Despite these efforts, experts emphasize the ongoing need for comprehensive documentation of such geological events for future preparedness and road safety improvement in an area already facing challenges due to identified vulnerability to landslides. The earthquake’s consequences have underscored the pre-existing geological hazards, evidenced by significant rockslides in Babujal that obstruct crucial transportation links. Thankfully, no fatalities have been recorded, although the quake has resulted in structural damage to homes and state buildings, with authorities responding by implementing safety measures, including evacuations.
This incident follows a significant seismic event that shook eastern Cuba, leading to widespread concern over infrastructure stability. The earthquake’s magnitude of 6.1 not only caused immediate landslides but also posed continued risk through aftershocks, exceeding 300 occurrences since the main event. Authorities had previously identified danger zones within the region, indicating a need for proactive safety measures. The structural integrity of residential and state properties has suffered due to the quake, necessitating ongoing evaluations and repairs.
In summary, the road between Granma and Santiago de Cuba remains closed following a severe earthquake that has caused substantial landslides and infrastructure damage. Ongoing efforts to clear the debris are essential for restoring access to isolated communities, and authorities are also focusing on safety measures and the preservation of data for future geological assessments. Despite significant disruptions, the absence of fatalities offers a measure of relief amidst ongoing recovery efforts.
Original Source: en.cibercuba.com
