A 6.8 magnitude earthquake rattled eastern Cuba following a series of hurricanes and blackouts, with tremors felt in major cities like Santiago de Cuba. No major injuries or damages were reported. This event compounds the distress already experienced due to Hurricane Rafael and ongoing power outages affecting the island.
On a recent Sunday, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, compounding the challenges faced by residents after enduring weeks of hurricanes and continuous blackouts. The United States Geological Survey identified the quake’s epicenter about 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó, with its tremors felt prominently in major cities such as Santiago de Cuba. Fortunately, initial assessments revealed no significant injuries or structural damage. In Santiago, where the earthquake’s impact was vividly felt, many residents rushed outdoors, visibly shaken by the experience. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” recounted 76-year-old Yolanda Tabío, who described experiencing several aftershocks but noted that, among her acquaintances, no property damage had been reported. This earthquake occurs in the context of ongoing distress for the inhabitants of Cuba. Just days prior, Hurricane Rafael, rated as a Category 3 storm, ravaged western Cuba, leading to widespread destruction including power outages and the displacement of thousands. Furthermore, the recent months have been dominated by extreme blackouts attributed to an energy crisis, which coincided with earlier hurricanes that had already tested the resilience of the island’s inhabitants.
In the wake of recent natural disasters, the people of Cuba have been confronting severe adversities, including hurricanes and persistent blackouts. In a critical week, Hurricane Rafael struck, causing extensive infrastructure damage and creating a humanitarian crisis due to the loss of power and home evacuations. This series of calamities has incited frustration and unrest among the population, leading to small protests amid an ongoing energy crisis that rendered homes without electricity for prolonged periods.
In summary, the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake has added to the substantial difficulties faced by Cubans already dealing with the repercussions of hurricanes and blackouts. While there were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries following the earthquake, the cumulative effect of these disasters underscores the ongoing struggles of the Cuban population and highlights their resilience in times of crisis.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
