A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, shaking buildings significantly and causing some damage, particularly in Pilon. Residents reported the quake as one of the strongest in their lifetimes. The area struggles with ongoing recovery from recent hurricanes, and there was no tsunami threat associated with this seismic event. Seismic activity remains a concern due to Cuba’s geographical positioning along tectonic plate boundaries.
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck eastern Cuba, as reported by the US Geological Survey. The quake’s epicenter was located near Bartolome Maso in Granma province, a historically significant area known as the former stronghold of Fidel Castro during the Cuban Revolution. Residents in Santiago de Cuba and surrounding areas experienced intense shaking, with some describing it as one of the strongest earthquakes they had ever felt. Damage was noted in Pilon, situated near the epicenter, and local infrastructure remains vulnerable due to age. Witnesses reported widespread chaos as buildings shook violently, prompting individuals to rush into the streets in panic. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, described the experience, stating, “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything.” Although she felt aftershocks, she noted that no significant damage was reported among her connections. The quake occurred at a depth of 14 kilometers and was revised from an initial magnitude of 5.8. Fortunately, the US National Tsunami Warning Center declared that there is no threat of a tsunami following this seismic event. This earthquake is part of a series of disasters impacting Cuba recently. The region had already been severely affected by Hurricane Oscar in October, and last week’s storms led to a massive power grid failure, leaving over 10 million people without electricity. Recovery efforts are ongoing amid continued rolling blackouts, complicating communication in the affected region. Seismic activity is common in the area surrounding Santiago due to a fault line delineating the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, yet the capital city of Havana remained unaffected by this specific quake.
Understanding the geological context of Cuba is crucial in assessing the implications of the recent earthquake. The nation sits on a tectonic boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates, leading to substantial seismic activity, especially near the southeastern coast. The impact of previous natural disasters, such as hurricanes, has left infrastructure in eastern Cuba vulnerable, amplifying concerns following such seismic events. Recognizing the historical significance of the affected areas adds depth to the narrative, shedding light on the challenges faced by residents in coping with natural disasters.
In conclusion, the recent magnitude 6.8 earthquake in eastern Cuba has caused significant concern among residents, many of whom experienced the quake as one of their most intense. With no tsunami threat reported and previous natural disasters complicating recovery efforts, the region grapples with ongoing challenges. Continued monitoring of seismic activity remains essential, given Cuba’s geological vulnerabilities, while recovery operations are critical in restoring normalcy to impacted communities.
Original Source: www.canberratimes.com.au
