A 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook eastern Cuba amidst ongoing challenges from hurricanes and blackouts. The quake, felt widely across major cities, resulted in minor damage but no immediate reports of serious injuries. This natural event follows Hurricane Rafael, which had previously caused extensive destruction and a nationwide power outage, intensifying the already difficult conditions faced by the Cuban population.
On Sunday, eastern Cuba experienced a powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake’s epicenter was approximately 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso and resonated throughout major cities including Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of significant injuries or severe damage across the island, though residents reported feeling anxiety and discomfort due to the tremors, particularly in Santiago where older structures may have been vulnerable. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, recounted the intense experience, describing how the quake caused walls to sway dramatically, prompting people to exit their homes. Social media posts from the small town of Pilon indicated some minor structural damages, highlighting the precarious condition of buildings across Cuba. This seismic event is compounded by the recent turmoil the nation has faced, including the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael which had already left many without power and caused widespread destruction. Cuba has endured a particularly taxing period, as the island has recently grappled with hurricanes and severe blackouts, all of which have exacerbated existing difficulties within its energy infrastructure. Just days before the earthquake, Hurricane Rafael wreaked havoc, causing island-wide power outages and prompting thousands to evacuate their homes. Additional crises earlier this month included prolonged blackouts due to an energy shortage, further fuelling public unrest and small-scale protests across the country. In light of these compounded challenges, the earthquake has added yet another layer of urgency to Cuba’s current struggles, prompting concern over the resilience of its infrastructure, especially in the face of frequent natural disasters.
The article addresses a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba, occurring during a time of significant hardship for the island’s residents who are dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes, blackouts, and a continuously struggling energy sector. The island has been experiencing a series of natural disasters, including the recent Category 3 Hurricane Rafael, which exacerbated the already dire situation by causing extensive damage and widespread power outages. The earthquake represents not only a geological event but also adds to the socio-economic strain the Cuban population has been enduring.
In summary, the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in eastern Cuba has occurred during a period marked by natural calamities, including hurricanes and power outages, amplifying the distress faced by its citizens. While immediate reports indicate no significant injuries, the earthquake highlights the precarious state of Cuba’s infrastructure and the growing unrest stemming from ongoing socio-economic challenges. The cumulative impact of these events continues to test the resilience of the island’s communities.
Original Source: www.news5cleveland.com
