Damage Assessment Underway Following 6.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Eastern Cuba

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Cuba, causing significant damage in Santiago de Cuba and Granma. Officials are assessing the impact on homes, roads, and public services while implementing emergency measures and alternative transportation systems for residents. No injuries have been reported, and authorities encourage preparedness for potential aftershocks, as over 240 have been documented since the event.

Authorities in Eastern Cuba are currently conducting damage assessments following a significant 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the region early Monday morning. The earthquake, with its epicenter located 35 kilometers southwest of Chivirico, has resulted in extensive destruction across Santiago de Cuba and Granma provinces. Initial reports indicate damage to at least seven residential homes and three state entities, particularly affecting the Granma highway, where landslides have impeded vehicular access due to large boulders obstructing the roads.

Local leaders including Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Santiago, and Governor Manuel Falcón Hernández, have undertaken inspections of the hardest-hit areas to evaluate the extent of the damage. Yurdis Batista Espinosa, president of the Municipal Assembly of People’s Power, noted that an alternative transportation system utilizing buses and trucks has been efficiently organized to assist residents in reaching municipal services despite the challenges posed by blocked roads.

While no injuries or fatalities have been reported, emergency preparedness remains a priority. Caridaniuska Chong Guerra confirmed the mobilization of a response team to address any future seismic activity, stating, “We have an organized system for evacuation and transfer, and we have been able to ensure emergency medical care.” This emphasis on safety extends to community education, as young children in municipalities such as Pilón have been guided on earthquake preparedness in light of recent seismic trends in the area.

In a videoconference update from Granma, local leadership reaffirmed the structural integrity of the province’s reservoirs and provided instructions for residents to assemble emergency bags containing essential items. The earthquake, which occurred around 1:00 a.m. local time, has prompted vigilance in neighboring areas, with officials urging families to remain prepared for any aftershocks, of which 241 have been recorded as of the latest updates, including three perceptible tremors.

The recent earthquake in Eastern Cuba is part of a broader pattern of seismic activity that has affected the region, prompting local authorities to enhance emergency preparedness and response measures. The earthquake’s impact on infrastructure, particularly in Santiago de Cuba and Granma provinces, underscores the vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters in these areas. The government is actively monitoring aftershocks and reinforcing community awareness to mitigate potential hazards from future tremors.

In summary, the 6.1 magnitude earthquake that rattled eastern Cuba has led to significant evaluations of damage and public safety. Authorities are responding effectively, implementing alternative transportation routes and advising residents on preparedness while ensuring essential services remain functional. Community leaders emphasize vigilance and readiness in anticipation of potential aftershocks, supporting ongoing recovery efforts in the affected regions.

Original Source: en.cibercuba.com