A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, causing significant shaking in Santiago de Cuba and nearby areas, with some reported damage. Residential and infrastructure vulnerabilities remain concerning, particularly post-recent hurricanes that impacted the region. Fortunately, no tsunami threat was issued following the quake, though recovery efforts continue to be hampered by rolling blackouts.
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 in magnitude struck eastern Cuba, as reported by the US Geological Survey. The tremor was centered off the southeastern coast in Granma province, close to Bartolome Maso, once a significant site during the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro. Residents in Santiago de Cuba, which is the island’s second-largest city, described the shaking as some of the strongest they had ever experienced, resulting in some damage, particularly in nearby Pilon. Witnesses recounted how their homes shook violently, with dishes falling from shelves amid a palpable sense of fear among the populace. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, observed that crowds filled the streets following the quake, with many still uncertain and nervously seated in their doorways. Though she felt two subsequent aftershocks, local accounts indicated that no significant injuries or damage had been reported. The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 14 kilometers, was initially recorded at a magnitude of 5.8, a figure later adjusted upwards. Fortunately, the US National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that no tsunami threat was posed by this seismic event. This earthquake adds to a troubling sequence of natural disasters impacting Cuba, which recently faced devastation from Hurricane Oscar in October and a subsequent grid collapse after Hurricane Rafael struck the west. The ongoing recovery efforts are further complicated by rolling blackouts prevalent in much of eastern Cuba’s infrastructure, hampering communication as residents remain on high alert following this seismic jolt. Cuba’s seismic activity is primarily concentrated around Santiago, situated on a fault line marking the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. This geological feature heightens the risk of earthquakes in the region, although the capital city of Havana reported no adverse effects from this recent quake.
The recent earthquake affecting eastern Cuba is part of an ongoing geological challenge facing the region. Cuba sits on the boundary between two significant tectonic plates, which contributes to the frequency of seismic activity in the area. Moreover, the country’s recovery from previous natural disasters, including hurricanes that caused extensive damage, exacerbates the situation for residents living in older, less resilient structures that are particularly vulnerable to such seismic events. The earthquakes and hurricanes combined raise concerns about public safety and infrastructure resilience in the face of natural disasters.
In conclusion, the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that affected eastern Cuba has raised significant concern among residents and authorities alike. While the tremor caused noticeable shaking and some property damage, there were no immediate reports of injuries. This event underscores the region’s vulnerability to geological hazards, especially following recent hurricanes that have already strained recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.canberratimes.com.au
