Cuba Shaken by 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Following Hurricanes and Blackouts

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, following weeks of hurricanes and blackouts. The epicenter was near Bartolomé Masó, and shaking was felt across eastern Cuba, especially in Santiago de Cuba, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries. This event coincides with difficult circumstances for the island, marked by recent hurricanes and energy crises leading to protests.

On Sunday, eastern Cuba experienced a 6.8 magnitude earthquake, shortly following a series of hurricanes and widespread blackouts that have significantly impacted the region. The United States Geological Survey indicated that the quake’s epicenter was situated approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó. The tremors reverberated throughout the eastern part of the island, including major urban centers such as Santiago de Cuba. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries following the incident. Local residents in Santiago reported feeling unsettled by the earthquake, with many taking to the streets for safety. Seventy-six-year-old Yolanda Tabío recounted that she felt the ground move violently, stating, “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything.” She also noted experiencing two aftershocks but had not heard of any reported damages among her friends and family. This earthquake struck at a particularly difficult time for Cuba, which has recently grappled with natural disasters and ongoing infrastructure challenges. Just days before the quake, Hurricane Rafael, classified as a Category 3 storm, had battered western Cuba, knocking out the island’s power supply and destroying numerous homes. The hurricane necessitated the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of individuals, and many areas remained without power in the aftermath. Moreover, the island has been witnessing a series of blackouts exacerbated by an ongoing energy crisis, leading to public discontent and sporadic protests.

Cuba has faced a series of challenging events recently, including powerful hurricanes and a significant energy crisis that has resulted in widespread blackouts. The hurricane season has caused considerable damage to infrastructure, challenging the recovery efforts of local communities. The situation has been further intensified by the economic struggles faced by many residents, leading to public demonstrations reflecting their frustrations. The recent earthquake adds to the series of natural adversities impacting the nation, emphasizing the urgency for effective response mechanisms.

In summary, eastern Cuba experienced a 6.8 magnitude earthquake amidst ongoing recovery efforts from hurricanes and persistent blackouts. The quake, while alarming, fortunately did not result in immediate reports of injuries or damage. However, it has underscored the vulnerable state of the island as it grapples with recent natural disasters and the complexities of civil discontent among its citizens. It is essential for authorities to address these ongoing challenges to foster resilience and recovery in affected areas.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com