6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Eastern Cuba Amidst Ongoing Crises

An earthquake of 6.8 magnitude struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, following severe hurricanes and blackouts that have significantly affected residents’ lives. Although significant damage was not immediately reported, the quake stirred fear and panic, particularly in Santiago de Cuba, where witnesses described chaotic scenes. The island’s recent struggles with infrastructure and energy crises have fueled public unrest, highlighting the challenges faced by the country.

On Sunday, eastern Cuba experienced a significant earthquake, registering a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor originated approximately 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso, impacting residents across major cities such as Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Although there was no immediate report of substantial damage or injuries, the quake followed a challenging period marked by hurricanes and prolonged blackouts that have left many Cuban citizens in distress. In Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city on the island, locals were visibly shaken. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, recounted the chaos as people rushed into the streets, nervously remaining in doorways. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” she expressed to The Associated Press, noting that she felt at least two aftershocks but had heard of no significant damage among her acquaintances. Other residents reported intense fear during the quake, with some screams audible as the ground trembled persistently. Social media outlets from the town of Pilon displayed minor damage, including images of cracked walls and partially collapsed roofs, reflecting the vulnerability of Cuba’s aging infrastructure. The earthquake coincided with a particularly turbulent period for the island. Just days before, Hurricane Rafael, categorized as a Category 3 storm, had swept through western Cuba, resulting in widespread power outages, the destruction of hundreds of homes, and mass evacuations. Even after the hurricane, much of the island continued to grapple with power loss. Prior to these events, Cuba was beset by significant challenges, including island-wide blackouts attributed to an ongoing energy crisis, alongside a powerful hurricane that recently wreaked havoc in the eastern region, culminating in the unfortunate loss of at least six lives. The confluence of these hardships has reignited public discontent, leading to small protests across the nation.

The natural disaster follows a series of climatic extremes that have severely impacted infrastructure and the daily lives of Cubans. The region has endured fierce hurricanes and ongoing electrical outages, exacerbating economic woes and diminishing residents’ quality of life. The aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, a strong Category 3 storm that ravaged western Cuba, heavily influenced the socio-political climate, as many families lost their homes and reliable sources of electricity. The combination of these natural disasters stresses an already fragile energy grid, fostering unrest among the population.

In summation, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that shook eastern Cuba represents another challenge for a nation grappling with the consequences of destructive hurricanes and recurring blackouts. Despite the immediate absence of major damage reports, the emotional and psychological toll on residents is profound, emphasizing the need for resilient infrastructure in a region prone to natural calamities. Cuba must navigate these adversities while addressing the pervasive public dissent stemming from ongoing socio-economic challenges.

Original Source: www.kxxv.com