On Sunday, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Pilon, Cuba, accompanied by two smaller quakes. Residents, particularly in Santiago de Cuba, reported feeling the tremors but no immediate damage was reported. Concurrently, Puerto Rico experienced several minor quakes. This seismic activity occurs amidst a challenging period for Cuba after Hurricane Rafael, which caused significant disruptions and power outages.
On Sunday, a significant earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck the south coast of Cuba near Pilon, accompanied by two additional quakes of 5.9 and 4.6 magnitudes. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the epicenter was situated approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó, Cuba. The seismic activity reverberated across eastern Cuba, including the larger urban area of Santiago de Cuba. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or property damage following the incident. Residents in Santiago experienced an unsettling atmosphere in the wake of the quakes. A 76-year-old local, Yolanda Tabío, recounted how community members evacuated their homes and congregated outside, visibly shaken by the event. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” she stated, adding that she felt several aftershocks but had not heard of any significant damages among her acquaintances. On the same day, Puerto Rico experienced numerous smaller seismic events, with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 3.8 within a 24-hour timeframe. Some residents in downtown Miami reported sensations similar to aftershocks; however, Miami city officials clarified that no seismic activity or aftershocks were detected in the city, reassuring the public that there was no cause for alarm. The timing of these earthquakes coincided with a particularly challenging period for Cuba, recovering from the effects of Category 3 Hurricane Rafael, which had devastated the western part of the island only days earlier. The hurricane resulted in widespread power outages, destruction of homes, and large-scale evacuations. The aftermath of this hurricane, combined with previous hurricanes and an ongoing energy crisis, has contributed to public unrest and protests throughout the island.
Cuba has been grappling with severe weather events and an energy crisis, which have led to widespread power outages and public distress. After enduring a powerful hurricane that resulted in significant damage and loss of life, the recent earthquakes add another layer to the challenges facing the nation. The seismic activity affected numerous communities, highlighting the vulnerable state of infrastructure in light of ongoing natural disasters and systemic issues within the country’s energy sector.
The recent earthquakes off the south coast of Cuba have raised concerns among residents, although reports indicate a lack of significant damage or injuries. This seismic activity follows a tumultuous period for Cuba, characterized by severe hurricanes and energy crises that have strained the population. As the island navigates these challenges, maintaining public safety and restoring normalcy remains a pressing priority.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
