Cuba Suffered 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Following Recent Hurricanes

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Eastern Cuba on November 10, causing buildings to shake in Santiago de Cuba and nearby areas without resulting in casualties. The quake followed recent hurricanes that had already devastated the region. Reports confirmed no tsunami threat, but damage assessments are ongoing as recovery from prior storms continues.

On Sunday, November 10, Eastern Cuba experienced a significant earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale. The tremor was felt throughout Santiago de Cuba, as well as in nearby rural regions, prompting widespread alarm among residents. Fortunately, despite the considerable shaking and some property damage observed, particularly around the municipality of Bartolome Maso in Granma province, no casualties have been reported at this time. The earthquake struck at a depth of 14 kilometers (approximately 8.7 miles), leading to descriptions from locals who considered it one of the most severe seismic events they have encountered. Damage was particularly noted in Pilón, which is situated in proximity to the earthquake’s epicenter. As notifications emerged, officials confirmed that the capital, Havana, and other parts of the country remained unaffected by the earthquake’s impact. In the wake of this earthquake, the US National Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami threats following the seismic activity. It is important to note that the timing of this earthquake is critical, as much of the eastern area of Cuba is still recovering from the destruction caused by Hurricane Oscar in October and Hurricane Rafael, which had recently ravaged the western territory, resulting in a nationwide power outage affecting approximately 10 million residents. Recovery efforts for the power grid are still underway.

Cuba is no stranger to seismic activity, particularly in its eastern regions where earthquakes frequently occur. This specific earthquake struck shortly after two hurricanes—Oscar and Rafael—had significantly devastated the area. The aging infrastructure in many of the impacted regions, combined with recent natural disasters, has heightened the residents’ concerns regarding building stability and safety. Understanding the geographical context and the challenges posed by recent hurricanes is vital to grasp the potential consequences of the earthquake and the community’s resilience in the face of such disasters.

The 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Eastern Cuba has raised alarm but has, fortunately, not resulted in reported casualties. As the region grapples with the aftermath of recent hurricanes that already strained resources and infrastructure, the focus remains on recovery and ensuring safety for the local communities. The absence of tsunami threats offers some relief, but the recurring challenges of natural disasters necessitate ongoing vigilance and preparedness efforts.

Original Source: jang.com.pk