An earthquake of 6.8 magnitude jolted eastern Cuba after recently enduring hurricanes and blackouts. The quake’s epicenter was near Bartolomé Masó, causing tremors felt in cities like Santiago de Cuba. Residents expressed shock but reported minimal damage. The earthquake compounds the challenges faced by Cubans following Hurricane Rafael and ongoing power issues, leading to growing discontent and protests.
A major earthquake registering 6.8 on the Richter scale struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, following a series of disruptive hurricanes and widespread blackouts that have severely impacted the region. The United States Geological Survey indicated that the earthquake’s epicenter was situated roughly 25 miles (40 km) south of Bartolomé Masó, causing widespread tremors felt across various cities, including Santiago de Cuba, the nation’s second largest city. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of severe damage or injuries following this seismic event. In Santiago, residents experienced significant unease, as exemplified by the account of 76-year-old Yolanda Tabío. She noted that individuals rushed to the streets in response to the earthquake, many remaining in their doorways out of anxiety. Tabío recounted feeling several aftershocks and confirmed that, among her acquaintances, reports of property damage were minimal. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” she stated.
This earthquake strikes Cuba at a particularly difficult time, as the nation is already grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, which recently impacted the western part of the island with Category 3 winds. This hurricane resulted in island-wide power outages, destruction to numerous homes, and the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents. This latest seismic event adds another layer of distress to a population already strained by an ongoing energy crisis that has triggered extensive blackouts in recent weeks. Prior hurricanes also contributed to loss of life and escalated civic discontent, leading to protests among those affected by the deteriorating conditions.
In summary, the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake has added to Cuba’s trials amidst recent hurricanes and persistent power outages. While immediate reports indicate no severe injuries or structural damage, the cumulative effects of natural disasters and energy crises have heightened tensions across the island. This situation emphasizes the urgent need for effective disaster response and infrastructure improvements to enhance the resilience of communities in Cuba.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
