A magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck eastern Cuba, felt widely in cities like Santiago de Cuba. The quake followed recent hurricanes that caused extensive power outages. Despite reports of minor damage and stress among residents, no serious injuries were reported. The seismic activity was also experienced in Jamaica, highlighting the quake’s reach and the ongoing challenges faced by the island in the aftermath of natural disasters.
On Sunday, a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck eastern Cuba, creating tremors felt across several major cities, including Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Residents described significant nervousness, with many quickly vacating their homes to seek safety in the streets. While there were reports of minor property damage, particularly in the small town of Pilon, no serious injuries or extensive destruction have been confirmed to date. Initial reactions included screams and descriptions of swaying structures as Yolanda Tabio, a Santiago resident, expressed her experience of the quake and its aftershocks. Furthermore, reports indicate that the aftershocks were also detected in Jamaica by British tourists vacationing there. This seismic event follows a tumultuous period for Cuba, which has recently endured hurricanes, specifically Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm that inflicted widespread power outages and damage upon its land. The nation has faced significant challenges in the form of prolonged blackouts, largely attributed to an energy crisis exacerbated by an enduring US blockade that limits access to necessary repairs for its energy infrastructure. The combined impact of the natural disasters raises concerns for Cuba’s recovery and reconstruction efforts, following persistent hardships faced by its citizens.
Cuba’s geographical location makes it vulnerable to both hurricanes and earthquakes. In the recent past, the nation has suffered from devastating hurricanes that drastically affect its infrastructure, economy, and the daily lives of its inhabitants. Additionally, the longstanding US blockade has further strained resources, particularly in the energy sector, contributing to power shortages and economic turmoil. The recent earthquake adds an additional layer of complexity to the ongoing recovery efforts from these natural disasters, highlighting the critical nature of international support and local resilience in crisis scenarios.
This powerful earthquake has underscored the vulnerabilities faced by Cuba amid ongoing natural and economic challenges. The notable tremors come after a series of hurricanes seriously affected the island’s infrastructure, leaving many citizens grappling with power outages and property damage. As the situation develops, the focus will be on assessing the extent of the damage caused by the quake, providing support to affected communities, and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to these recurring crises.
Original Source: news.az
