On Sunday, Cuba experienced a series of earthquakes, including a significant 6.8 magnitude quake near Pilon. The epicenter was approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó, affecting local residents, particularly in Santiago de Cuba. Despite reports of tremors, there were no immediate injuries. This seismic event comes on the heels of Hurricane Rafael, which recently caused widespread power outages and infrastructure damage across the island.
On Sunday, eastern Cuba experienced a series of earthquakes, with the strongest measuring 6.8 in magnitude. This seismic activity also included additional tremors of 5.9 and 4.6 magnitudes. Occurring roughly 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó, the earthquakes were felt largely across the eastern regions, including Santiago de Cuba, where residents reported feeling the ground shake. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or damage so far. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident of Santiago, described the scene, stating that many locals evacuated to the streets, remaining anxious as they awaited aftershocks. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” she remarked to The Associated Press. Concurrently, several smaller earthquakes also struck near Puerto Rico, raising concerns among the local populace. In Miami, some residents reported sensing aftershocks; however, city officials clarified that the geological surveys had indicated no seismic activity affecting South Florida. This news provided reassurance amidst the chaos caused by recent hurricanes and power outages across Cuba. The earthquakes come at a tumultuous time for the nation, still recovering from Hurricane Rafael, which devastated infrastructure, disrupted power across the island, and has exacerbated existing humanitarian challenges. Prior to the hurricanes, Cuba suffered from nationwide blackouts, attributed to an ongoing energy crisis. Amidst these burdens, local discontent has prompted small-scale protests as citizens seek a response to their plight.
The series of earthquakes off the south coast of Cuba coincided with a period marked by significant natural and infrastructural challenges for the island. Following the passage of Hurricane Rafael and a history of energy-related blackouts, the Cuban populace has been under considerable stress. Earthquakes in this region are not uncommon, given the island’s geological positioning, but the context of recent natural disasters amplifies the stress experienced by residents. The Cuban government has been facing scrutiny as the public has expressed its frustrations through protests, driven by the hardships faced in daily life, particularly during intense weather events.
In summary, Cuba’s recent earthquake activity adds to the considerable challenges the island is facing, following destructive hurricanes and ongoing power outages. While the immediate impact of the earthquakes appears to be minimal in terms of damage and injuries, the psychological effect on residents and the potential for further geological activity remain concerns. The situation underscores the need for continued support and resources to assist the Cuban population as they navigate these compounded crises.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
