A 6.8 magnitude earthquake rattled eastern Cuba, compounding the island’s struggles following recent hurricanes and power outages. The quake’s epicenter was near Bartolomé Masó, with tremors felt widely, particularly in Santiago de Cuba. No significant damage was reported, but the ongoing crises have fueled public discontent and protests.
On Sunday, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, compounding the challenges faced by residents still reeling from recent hurricanes and widespread blackouts. The quake’s epicenter was situated roughly 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó, as reported by the United States Geological Survey. Tremors were felt across eastern Cuba, particularly in cities such as Santiago de Cuba, where residents, including 76-year-old Yolanda Tabío, expressed their nervousness as they took to the streets and occupied doorways amid worries about aftershocks. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injury. This seismic event coincides with a turbulent period for Cuba, which has been grappling with the impacts of natural disasters. Just a few days earlier, Category 3 Hurricane Rafael ravaged western Cuba, leaving the island without power and leading to widespread evacuations. Additionally, Cuba recently endured a barrage of challenges, including prolonged blackouts due to an ongoing energy crisis followed by a potent hurricane that resulted in fatalities. In light of these events, frustrations among the population have led to small protests as many struggle to cope with the conditions.
The recent earthquakes and hurricanes hitting Cuba highlight the island’s vulnerability to natural disasters, notably after experiencing significant climatic events in close succession. Natural disasters such as hurricanes often strain already limited resources and infrastructure, exacerbating ongoing crises. The repeated blackouts and energy shortages are symptomatic of broader systemic issues within the country, prompting social unrest and public demonstrations amid growing discontent among the populace seeking reliable power and basic services.
The recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in eastern Cuba poses serious challenges for a nation still grappling with the fallout from a series of hurricanes and energy crises. As residents navigate these compounded adversities, the situation underscores the dire need for reliable infrastructure and rapid disaster recovery efforts. While immediate reports indicate no significant damage, the psychological impact and ongoing energy shortages continue to weigh heavily on the people of Cuba.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
