A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, causing alarm following weeks of hurricanes and blackouts. The tremor affected major cities like Santiago de Cuba. After Hurricane Rafael and previous blackouts, residents are facing severe hardships as the island struggles to recover from recent calamities.
On Sunday, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, exacerbating an already challenging situation following weeks of hurricanes and extensive blackouts. According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake’s epicenter was situated approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó. While the tremor reverberated across major cities, including Santiago de Cuba, initial reports indicated no significant damages or injuries. In Santiago, residents experienced considerable distress, with many taking to the streets or anxiously sitting on their doorsteps. One resident, 76-year-old Yolanda Tabío, recounted witnessing the intense shaking, stating that everything from the walls to furniture was in motion. This seismic event compounds the difficulties the island has faced in recent weeks, following Hurricane Rafael, which had already caused island-wide blackouts and significant property damage. Hurricane Rafael, which occurred earlier in the week, rendered hundreds of thousands of people without power and led to widespread evacuations. Additionally, Cuba had earlier endured severe blackouts and a devastating hurricane in October, which resulted in the loss of lives and heightened public discontent, manifesting in small protests across various regions. Residents continue to feel the effects of these natural disasters, with many struggling to maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst the ongoing crises.
Cuba is currently enduring a string of catastrophes, beginning with extensive blackouts caused by an ongoing energy crisis and subsequent hurricane damages. These events create a dire humanitarian situation, amplifying the challenges faced by the population, including shelter loss and power outages. Notably, Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, struck western Cuba, prompting thousands to evacuate while leaving significant property losses in its wake. The impact of these disasters is further compounded by existing socio-economic difficulties, heightening public discontent and protests.
In summary, the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake has compounded the dire conditions in eastern Cuba, where residents are still reeling from hurricanes and ongoing blackouts. These natural disasters have not only caused physical damage but have also brought social unrest to the island, as citizens grapple with the cumulative effects of these crises. Continued monitoring and international assistance may be necessary to address the immediate needs and support recovery efforts in the affected regions.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
