A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit eastern Cuba on Sunday, following recent hurricanes and blackouts that have left residents shaken. The quake’s epicenter was located near Bartolomé Masó, with tremors felt in cities like Santiago de Cuba. While there were no immediate reports of damage, the earthquake highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the island amid severe weather events and a crippling energy crisis.
On Sunday, a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, causing alarm among residents already grappling with the aftermath of consecutive hurricanes and widespread power outages. The United States Geological Survey indicated the quake’s epicenter was approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó, and tremors were reportedly felt in cities such as Santiago de Cuba, the nation’s second-largest city. Fortunately, initial reports indicated no significant damage or injuries following the seismic event. Witness accounts from Santiago highlighted the intense fear experienced by residents. Yolanda Tabío, 76, described how individuals hurriedly evacuated their homes, with many nervously awaiting aftershocks. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” she recounted, emphasizing the tremor’s impact despite the absence of reported structural damage.
This seismic activity occurred in the context of recent climatic catastrophes that have severely impacted the island nation. Just days prior, Hurricane Rafael, classified as a Category 3 storm, inflicted significant damage in western Cuba, leaving much of the island without electricity. The energy crisis has exacerbated living conditions, culminating in multiple blackouts over recent weeks. Residents’ frustration has sparked small protests amidst these continuing hardships, further illustrating the precarious situation faced by the Cuban populace.
The earthquake that struck eastern Cuba serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the island, which is still reeling from the effects of hurricanes and power failures. As residents return to a semblance of normalcy, the aftermath of the natural disasters, coupled with ongoing energy issues, presents a profound challenge. The resilience of the Cuban people is evident, yet the urgency for infrastructure improvement and disaster preparedness remains critical moving forward.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
