A 6.8 magnitude earthquake jolted eastern Cuba, following a series of hurricanes and widespread blackouts. The earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó, with no immediate reports of significant damage. Residents, especially in Santiago, expressed their fears and experiences during this difficult time as the island grapples with ongoing recovery efforts and public dissatisfaction.
On Sunday, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, exacerbating the ongoing difficulties faced by residents following weeks of hurricanes and extensive power outages. The earthquake’s epicenter was reported to be approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of Bartolomé Masó. Tremors were felt throughout the eastern regions, including Santiago de Cuba, the nation’s second-largest city. Fortunately, initial reports indicated no significant damage or injuries, although residents experienced considerable distress, with many taking to the streets for safety. The impact of the earthquake on an already troubled Cuba cannot be understated. In the days leading up to the seismic event, Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, had wreaked havoc on western Cuba, resulting in widespread power outages, the destruction of numerous homes, and necessitating evacuations for hundreds of thousands. These challenges were compounded by a series of island-wide blackouts stemming from the country’s energy crisis, which has been a persistent issue over the past weeks. Amid heightened tensions, there have been small protests occurring across the island as citizens voice dissatisfaction with their worsening living conditions.
Cuba has been grappling with a series of challenges that have left many residents in a precarious position. The nation recently endured consecutive hurricanes—the most recent being Hurricane Rafael—along with an ongoing energy crisis that has led to frequent blackouts across the island. These issues have resulted in humanitarian concerns, with civilians struggling to regain stability in their daily lives. The earthquake, which struck in the aftermath of these disasters, adds further strain to a nation already seeking recovery from natural calamities and systemic energy failures.
In summary, the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in eastern Cuba has compounded the challenges faced by residents following severe hurricanes and ongoing power outages. The tremors were felt widely but fortunately did not lead to immediate reports of significant damages or injuries. Nevertheless, the earthquake reflects the ongoing difficulties faced by Cubans as they navigate through a period marked by natural disasters and an energy crisis that has sparked discontent among the populace.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
