A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, affecting Santiago de Cuba and Granma with significant structural damage. Authorities are assessing the damage, implementing alternative transportation systems, and ensuring the continuity of essential services. No casualties have been reported, with ongoing preparedness measures being reinforced among local communities.
Authorities in eastern Cuba are grappling with the aftermath of a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck on Monday, causing significant damage across Santiago de Cuba and Granma. The damage assessment efforts, led by key local officials including Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Santiago, and Governor Manuel Falcón Hernández, revealed destruction to at least seven homes, three state entities, and major infrastructural impacts on the Granma highway.
Landslides exacerbated the situation, blocking vehicle access and leaving boulders measuring up to two meters in diameter obstructing vital routes. In response, local government authorities have activated an alternative transportation system, utilizing buses and trucks to transport residents from affected areas, including La Plata and Ocujal, to the municipal center in Chivirico. According to Yurdis Batista Espinosa, president of the Municipal Assembly of People’s Power, operations to facilitate this transfer have been effective, ensuring the continuity of essential services such as public health and education.
In Granma province, residential and state building damages predominately featured visible wall cracks, sparking concerns for safety. However, officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries have been reported. Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló, the first secretary of the Provincial Committee of the Party, encouraged families to prepare emergency bags containing necessary items, including medications and identification.
Educational initiatives have also been undertaken, particularly in municipalities like Pilón, where children were instructed on earthquake preparedness measures. The earthquake, which occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. local time, was centered 35 kilometers southwest of Chivirico. As of the designated reporting time, 241 aftershocks had been recorded, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance in the region.
On December 23, 2024, a significant seismic event measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale impacted eastern Cuba, particularly affecting the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Granma. Earthquake preparedness has been a crucial topic in recent weeks due to increased seismic activity in the area. The assessment of damage from such natural disasters is essential for communities to recover effectively. Local authorities are actively working to maintain essential services and ensure the safety of residents in the aftermath of the earthquake, emphasizing the need for organized emergency responses and public education on disaster preparedness.
The recent earthquake in eastern Cuba has led to substantial damage in several communities, necessitating swift assessment and response by local authorities. Measures are being implemented to ensure the safe transport of residents and the continuation of essential public services, demonstrating the community’s resilience in facing natural disasters. Authorities are urging preparedness among citizens while reaffirming that no significant injuries or fatalities have occurred, highlighting the overall state of emergency preparedness in the region.
Original Source: en.cibercuba.com
