Multiple Earthquakes Rock Eastern Cuba Amid Ongoing Crises

A series of earthquakes, including a significant 6.8 magnitude quake, struck eastern Cuba, causing alarm but reportedly no immediate damage. This event follows a tumultuous period for the island marked by hurricanes and prolonged blackouts, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by residents. Witness accounts reflect a community grappling with fear and uncertainty amid recent natural calamities and energy crises.

On Sunday, eastern Cuba experienced a series of seismic activities, most notably a 6.8 magnitude earthquake, accompanied by quakes measuring 5.9 and 4.6 in magnitude. This seismic event struck after a series of hurricanes and ongoing blackouts have beleaguered the island. The earthquakes were reported around 25 miles (40 km) south of Bartolomé Masó, with tremors felt in major cities like Santiago de Cuba. As of now, there have been no reported injuries or significant damages. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene in Santiago where residents rushed to the streets, visibly shaken by the quakes. Yolanda Tabío, a local resident, recounted her experience, stating, “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything.” She noted having felt multiple aftershocks but heard of no damages among her acquaintances. Concurrently, Puerto Rico also experienced minor earthquakes measuring between 2.5 and 3.8, stirring residents in nearby Miami, although city officials confirmed no seismic activity was felt there. These earthquakes arrive at a challenging time for Cuba, which is still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm that caused extensive destruction and power outages across the island. The lack of electricity remains a pressing concern, as many areas were left in darkness following the recent storms. The island faced prolonged blackouts earlier in October due to a deepening energy crisis, which has incited local protests as citizens express their discontent with worsening living conditions. This seismic event underscores Cuba’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the escalating discontent within the populace due to continuous hardships exacerbated by recent environmental calamities.

Cuba has been facing a series of natural disasters recently, including hurricanes and earthquakes, which have led to widespread chaos and discontent. The island suffered from prolonged blackouts due to an energy crisis, causing significant distress among residents. The impact of Hurricane Rafael, which resulted in power outages and property destruction, escalates the island’s challenges. As a Caribbean island, Cuba is prone to hurricanes during the tropical storm season, and the occurrence of earthquakes adds to the strain on infrastructure and public safety.

The recent earthquakes off the south coast of Cuba, particularly the significant 6.8 magnitude tremor, have added to the island’s woes following hurricanes and energy crises. Eyewitness accounts reflect a community on edge, coping with the aftermath of these natural disasters. While there have been no immediate reports of injuries or damages, the cumulative effects of environmental challenges are likely to continue impacting the lives of residents as they navigate these difficult times.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com