On Sunday, eastern Cuba was shaken by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake, occurring shortly after Hurricane Rafael devastated the region. Tremors were felt across major cities with no immediate major damage reported. The earthquake adds to the ongoing challenges faced by residents, including prolonged power outages and economic hardships following recent natural disasters.
On Sunday, eastern Cuba experienced a significant earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, just days after facing the destruction caused by Hurricane Rafael. The epicenter of the quake was reported to be approximately 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso, as noted by the US Geological Survey. Tremors reverberated throughout major cities, including Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo, even reaching neighboring Jamaica. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of severe damage or injuries within Cuba, although residents in Santiago expressed feelings of anxiety and unease following the quake. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, described the experience: “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything.” Social media posts indicated some minor structural damages, particularly in the town of Pilon, with images showcasing cracked walls and deteriorating roofs, typical of Cuba’s aging infrastructure. This earthquake arrives during a particularly challenging time for Cuba, following the passing of Hurricane Rafael, which struck the western region on November 7, causing widespread power outages, the destruction of homes, and the evacuation of thousands. In recent weeks, the island had also grappled with prolonged blackouts stemming from an ongoing energy crisis. The situation has intensified public discord, resulting in small protests as citizens voice their frustrations over the government’s handling of these crises. The combination of natural disasters and an energy crisis has compounded hardship on the island, and the recent seismic event has only further contributed to the pervasive sense of instability among residents.
In November 2024, eastern Cuba faced an earthquake amidst the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 hurricane that caused extensive damage and power outages. This earthquake’s occurrence underscores Cuba’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly given the ongoing issues with aging infrastructure and a severe energy crisis, which have already led to widespread public discontent. Previous hurricanes earlier in the season exacerbated these challenges, heightening the pressure on the already strained resources and government response mechanisms. With citizens experiencing prolonged blackouts and economic hardship, the impact of natural disasters is felt even more acutely, prompting waves of protest and demands for accountability from the government.
In summary, the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba further complicates an already dire situation for the island following Hurricane Rafael. While immediate reports indicate no serious injuries, the psychological and structural toll of the tremors, combined with pre-existing crises, continues to challenge the resilience of the Cuban people. The cumulative effects of hurricanes, blackouts, and economic struggles have led to increased unrest among citizens, emphasizing the urgent need for governmental and infrastructural reforms to safeguard against future disasters.
Original Source: tt.loopnews.com
