An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck eastern Cuba amid hurricanes and blackouts, affecting cities like Santiago de Cuba. No major damages were reported, but residents expressed fear and anxiety during the tremors. This disaster follows Hurricane Rafael, which left many without power and exacerbated existing socio-economic issues, sparking protests across the island.
On Sunday, eastern Cuba experienced a powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, immediately following a period marked by severe hurricanes and widespread blackouts. The earthquake’s epicenter was reported to be approximately 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Tremors were felt across the eastern regions of the island, notably in cities such as Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo, with reports of sensation extending to Jamaica. Although the initial assessment indicated no major destruction or casualties in Cuba, residents in Santiago, the country’s second-largest city, reported feeling tremors that caused panic. Local resident Yolanda Tabío, aged 76, described the scene, stating that individuals filled the streets and remained anxiously seated in their doorways. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” she remarked. Reports from Pilon indicated minor damages, including images of sagging roofs and wall cracks, reflective of the aging infrastructure prevalent across Cuba. This earthquake transpired amid significant challenges for the nation, including the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, which wreaked havoc earlier in the week, leaving many without power and damaging homes. The cumulative effect of these disasters has led to growing unrest among citizens, notably following prior power outages and a difficult energy crisis. The resurgence of protests reveals public discontent, exacerbated by ongoing struggles after natural disasters. The earthquake adds to the turbulent period the Cuban populace has been enduring, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure improvement and disaster preparedness in the region.
The recent earthquake in Cuba comes at a time of significant distress for the island, marked by the destructive impacts of Hurricane Rafael, which not only caused island-wide blackouts but also necessitated the evacuation of numerous families. The frequency of natural disasters is compounded by the country’s ongoing energy crisis, leading to severe power outages that lasted for several days. With a backdrop of aging infrastructure and a population already grappling with various socio-economic challenges, the earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing the Cuban nation.
In conclusion, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba further compounds the hardships faced by its residents, following recent hurricanes and prolonged blackouts. Although initial reports did not confirm major damage or injuries, the emotional and physical toll on the population is evident. The events underscore the necessity for infrastructural improvements and greater disaster preparedness in Cuba as the nation continues to confront ongoing challenges.
Original Source: www.news5cleveland.com
