On Sunday, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake impacted eastern Cuba, primarily felt in Santiago de Cuba and the Granma province. This seismic event caused significant concern among residents, particularly those living in older, more vulnerable structures. Although minor damages were reported, no tsunami was expected, and the community is still recovering from previous natural disasters such as Hurricane Oscar and Rafael.
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake jolted eastern Cuba, specifically impacting the city of Santiago de Cuba and its surrounding regions, according to the US Geological Survey. The earthquake occurred near the municipality of Bartolome Maso in Granma province, an area historically significant as it was the site of Fidel Castro’s Revolutionary headquarters. Residents reported experiencing intense shaking, with many claiming this earthquake was among the strongest they had ever felt, causing significant alarm throughout the community. Reports of damage surfaced from nearby Pilon, especially since many buildings in this area are aged and susceptible to structural failures. Community members, such as 76-year-old Yolanda Tabío, described the scene as people rushed to the streets and nervously resettled in their doorways. Despite the troubling seismic activity, damage reports among friends and family remained relatively muted, albeit residents were undeniably shaken by the incident. The earthquake was initially rated at a magnitude of 5.8, later revised to a 6.8 magnitude, and occurred at a depth of 14 kilometers, as per US Geological Survey findings. Fortunately, the US National Tsunami Warning Center indicated that no tsunami threat was posed. This seismic event adds to the series of natural disasters that have plagued Cuba recently, following the destruction wrought by Hurricane Oscar and a subsequent power grid failure due to Hurricane Rafael, which left millions without electricity. Additionally, the region remains impacted by ongoing rolling blackouts, exacerbating the difficulties in communication during emergencies. Cuba’s seismological services highlight that the southeastern coast is particularly prone to seismic activity due to the fault line that delineates the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. It is noteworthy that the Cuban capital, Havana, remained unaffected by this quake.
The eastern region of Cuba is historically prone to earthquakes due to its geographical positioning along a critical fault line. This fault marks the division between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, resulting in frequent seismic activities. Recent hurricanes have further strained the region, impacting infrastructure and power supply, complicating disaster response efforts. Thus, the community faces compounded challenges in dealing with the aftermath of these natural disasters. As a result, understanding the implications of seismic events in relation to the broader scope of recovery efforts following recent hurricanes is critical.
In summary, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba corresponds with the ongoing pattern of seismic disturbances in the region, compounded by the challenges arising from recent hurricanes. Residents experienced significant shaking, prompting emergency responses and raising concerns about structural vulnerabilities. As recovery efforts continue in the wake of multiple disasters, the community remains resilient, navigating the aftermath of both seismic and meteorological challenges while relying on communal support and national services for assistance.
Original Source: www.northweststar.com.au
