A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit eastern Cuba on Sunday, impacting major cities including Santiago de Cuba. Fortunately, initial reports did not indicate major injuries or damage, though residents experienced significant fear. The quake follows recent hurricanes that devastated infrastructure and caused power outages, complicating the nation’s recovery efforts amid a prolonged energy crisis.
On Sunday, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck eastern Cuba, following an already challenging period marked by hurricanes and power outages. The seismic activity was felt throughout the eastern regions of the island, particularly in cities such as Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties, although residents experienced considerable distress during the event. In Santiago de Cuba, citizens took to the streets amid fear, with one resident, Yolanda Tabio, recounting her experience of the quake and noting that she felt multiple aftershocks. Reports from the area indicated that although no serious injuries were documented, some structures suffered minor damages, particularly in the town of Pilon where residents reported damaged roofs and cracked walls on social media. The aftershocks extended their effects as far as Jamaica, where tourists noted the unusual seismic activity. Ms. Carmen Bezzina expressed the bewildering experience for those in Jamaica, emphasizing the unaccustomed nature of earthquakes for visitors from Britain. Just days before this seismic event, Hurricane Rafael had impacted western Cuba, exacerbating the island’s existing struggles with power outages and infrastructural challenges, attributed to a prolonged energy crisis linked to the U.S. blockade.
Cuba has been grappling with a series of natural disasters including hurricanes, which have left significant impacts on the island’s infrastructure and power supply. Recently, Hurricane Rafael wrecked havoc in western Cuba, causing blackouts and damage to numerous homes. The ongoing energy crisis in Cuba is largely influenced by a long-standing U.S. blockade that hinders the import of necessary supplies for maintaining and repairing essential services. Against this backdrop, the recent earthquake compounds the challenges faced by the Cuban populace, affecting both their mental and physical infrastructure.
In summary, the magnitude-6.8 earthquake that shook eastern Cuba presents yet another layer of adversity for a nation already reeling from the effects of hurricanes and energy crises. While immediate damage appeared minimal in major urban areas, reports of structural imperfections indicate the need for further evaluation. The traumatic experiences of residents, coupled with the broader challenges stemming from external embargoes, underscore the resilience needed in confronting such natural calamities.
Original Source: news.az
