A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, affecting Santiago de Cuba and the surrounding areas. Reports indicate significant shaking, with some structural damage noted, particularly in Pilón. The quake’s epicenter was near a site associated with Fidel Castro, and it has occurred amidst ongoing recovery efforts from recent hurricanes that impacted the region. Fortunately, the US National Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami threat following this seismic event.
On Sunday, a significant earthquake measuring 6.8 in magnitude occurred in eastern Cuba, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event primarily affected Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in the country, along with adjacent areas. Originating near the municipality of Bartolomé Masó in Granma province, the epicenter was close to a historically significant site associated with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro during the Cuban Revolution. Residents experienced severe shaking, with many describing this quake as among the strongest they have ever felt. Reports indicated that in some locations, including Pilón near the epicenter, structural damage was noted, particularly affecting older and more vulnerable buildings.
Cuba is situated along a fault line that marks the convergence of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, making it particularly prone to seismic activity. Recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Oscar and Hurricane Rafael, had already significantly impacted the region, leading to widespread power outages and challenging recovery efforts. The seismic activity further complicates the current conditions, as many communities are dealing with lingering effects from these hurricanes, including rolling blackouts and disrupted communication systems.
This most recent earthquake highlights the ongoing challenges faced by eastern Cuba, an area already beleaguered by natural disasters. Although no tsunami threat was recorded following the quake, the tremors were strong enough to leave residents shaken and concerned for their safety. As the region continues to recover from past incidents, the impact of this earthquake may exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, necessitating ongoing attention and support from both local and international agencies.
Original Source: www.northweststar.com.au
