A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, following hurricanes and extensive power outages. The quake’s epicenter was near Bartolomé Masó and was felt across eastern regions. While there were no immediate reports of damages or injuries, residents continue to contend with the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael and previous blackouts, sparking protests out of frustration with ongoing hardships.
On Sunday, eastern Cuba experienced a 6.8 magnitude earthquake, compounding the challenges faced by residents already affected by recent hurricanes and ongoing power outages. The United States Geological Survey confirmed that the quake’s epicenter was situated approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó. Tremors were reported widely across the eastern region, including Santiago de Cuba, although initial reports did not indicate any damage or injuries. Residents described feelings of alarm, with many taking to the streets and enduring subsequent aftershocks. This seismic event follows a tumultuous period marked by the impact of Hurricane Rafael, which struck the western part of the island just days prior, resulting in extensive power outages and damage to infrastructure. The recent series of hurricanes and blackouts has exacerbated an existing energy crisis, leading to widespread distress among the population. Prior to these events, Cuba had already faced significant challenges, including prolonged blackouts in October and a hurricane that resulted in fatalities and substantial destruction. Notably, the cumulative stress from these disasters has sparked small protests across the island, as citizens express their frustrations over the deteriorating conditions. The earthquake adds another layer of uncertainty for the residents of this already beleaguered nation, leaving many anxious about further disruptions to their precarious situation.
Cuba has recently endured a series of environmental and infrastructural challenges, notably hurricanes and severe power outages. The energy crisis on the island had already instigated widespread discontent among the populace, manifesting in protests as they grapples with the difficulties of daily life amid continued instability. The impact of Hurricane Rafael, followed by the recent earthquake, has deepened the crisis, presenting new threats to the safety and well-being of its citizens. The situation is critical as the nation attempts to recover from successive disasters, heightening concerns regarding their resilience and ability to navigate recovery.
In summary, the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba adds to the burdens faced by residents already affected by a series of hurricanes and devastating power outages. Despite no immediate reports of damage or injuries, the psychological impact and further uncertainty echo the frustrations already present among the population, heightened by recent protests. As Cuba confronts these ongoing challenges, the capacity for recovery remains in question, and the need for resilience is paramount.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
