On December 23, 2024, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, notably affecting Santiago de Cuba and Granma. Damage assessments revealed impacts on homes and infrastructure, while local authorities implemented emergency transportation and medical services. Although no casualties were reported, families were advised to prepare for potential aftershocks and future earthquakes, highlighting the ongoing seismic concerns in the region.
On December 23, 2024, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Cuba, causing extensive damage in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Granma. The incident prompted local leaders, including Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Santiago, and Governor Manuel Falcón Hernández, to evaluate the impact of the earthquake. Preliminary reports indicated damage to at least seven homes and three state properties. Additionally, portions of the Granma highway experienced significant landslides that impeded vehicle access.
To address transportation challenges, a temporary system employing buses and trucks was established to assist residents in La Plata and Ocujal in reaching the municipal center of Chivirico. According to Yurdis Batista Espinosa, president of the Municipal Assembly of People’s Power, “We have been organizing this transfer since the early hours of the morning, and so far it has gone quite well.”
Meanwhile, emergency preparations have been initiated, with first secretary Caridaniuska Chong Guerra noting that a response team has been deployed despite the Defense Council not being activated. Efforts included establishing a system for evacuating residents and ensuring emergency medical services were available in affected areas. In Granma province, damage was observed in residential buildings, particularly cracks in walls, although no fatalities or serious injuries were reported. Following the earthquake, families were encouraged to prepare emergency backpacks containing essential items such as medications and identification.
The earthquake occurred early in the morning, with its epicenter located approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Chivirico. Following this seismic event, authorities noted a total of 241 aftershocks, with three being perceptibly felt. In schools across municipalities like Pilón, preparatory instructions were provided to children on how to respond in the event of future earthquakes, reflecting the heightened seismic activity in the region.
The earthquake in eastern Cuba represents a significant geological event that affected multiple communities. This magnitude 6.1 earthquake caused infrastructural damage, primarily in Santiago de Cuba and Granma, necessitating emergency responses from local authorities. With an increasing frequency of seismic events in the area, the Cuban government has implemented educational initiatives to equip citizens, especially children, with knowledge about earthquake preparedness and safety measures. The assessment of damages and enactment of emergency protocols underscore the importance of community readiness in the face of natural disasters.
In summary, the 6.1 magnitude earthquake that impacted eastern Cuba led to significant structural damage and triggered an emergency response in affected areas. Local authorities have actively managed transportation disruptions and implemented procedures for medical and community support. Despite the challenges posed by the earthquake, no fatalities were reported. This event emphasizes the need for ongoing preparedness and community resilience in regions susceptible to seismic activity.
Original Source: en.cibercuba.com
