A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit eastern Cuba, with aftershocks felt in Jamaica and Puerto Rico, coinciding with the devastation caused by Hurricane Rafael, which resulted in severe destruction and evacuations.
On Sunday, November 10, a significant earthquake registering a magnitude of 6.8 struck eastern Cuba, as reported by the Associated Press and the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso, with tremors occurring just before noon local time. Following the initial quake, aftershocks ranging from magnitudes 4.2 to 4.6 were also recorded. Residents in Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico reported feeling the seismic activity, which extended across the open sea north and east of Puerto Rico. This seismic event comes on the heels of Hurricane Rafael, which made landfall in Cuba the previous Wednesday, causing widespread devastation, including massive power outages and the destruction of hundreds of homes. Thousands of residents were evacuated due to the hurricane’s impact, compounding the challenges faced by the island nation. The immigrant population from Cuba has notably increased in Brooklyn, particularly in areas such as Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, and parts of Bushwick. The First Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn Heights has been actively involved with Cuba through its White Rose ministry, organizing mission trips to provide support and aid to the island, which is situated approximately 265 miles from Miami, Florida.
Earthquakes pose a significant risk to regions surrounding the Caribbean, a seismically active area influenced by tectonic movements. The recent earthquake in Cuba serves as a stark reminder of this vulnerability. In the aftermath of natural disasters such as hurricanes, communities are often left in precarious situations, compounded by a lack of infrastructure and resources. The involvement of immigrant communities, such as Cuban Americans in Brooklyn, highlights ongoing connections between diasporas and their countries of origin, particularly in times of crisis.
In summary, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba is part of a series of calamities affecting the region, compounded by the recent impacts of Hurricane Rafael. The seismic activity has prompted concerns over safety and recovery for the Cuban population amidst ongoing challenges. Additionally, the responses of communities abroad, such as in Brooklyn, underscore the importance of solidarity and support across national boundaries during such emergent situations.
Original Source: brooklyneagle.com
