Cuba Experienced 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Amid Ongoing Crises

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, following weeks of hurricanes and extensive blackouts. The quake’s epicenter was near Bartolomé Masó, and though it caused tremors in major cities like Santiago, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The disaster comes amid ongoing struggles with power outages and public discontent on the island.

On Sunday, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, compounding the distress the island has faced due to recent hurricanes and ongoing power outages. The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó, as reported by the United States Geological Survey. The tremor resonated throughout eastern Cuba, including in major cities such as Santiago de Cuba. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage. Residents of Santiago experienced palpable fear as a result of the quake. Local woman Yolanda Tabío, aged 76, noted that many individuals fled to the streets, anxiously waiting in their doorways. She reported feeling at least two aftershocks and added, “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything.” Despite the commotion, she mentioned not having heard of any damage among her acquaintances. This earthquake follows a turbulent period for Cuba, marked by the arrival of Hurricane Rafael on Wednesday. This Category 3 hurricane caused extensive destruction, including widespread power outages that affected the entire nation, the devastation of hundreds of homes, and the evacuation of thousands of residents. Moreover, in the preceding months, Cuba had already been grappling with severe power shortages that culminated in prolonged blackouts, followed by the impact of another hurricane on the eastern coastline, which tragically resulted in six fatalities. Such ongoing adversities have heightened discontent among the populace, contributing to smaller protests arising across the nation as citizens grapple with these challenges. The cumulative effects of these hardships have placed an immense burden on the lives of Cuban residents, leaving many to seek resolutions in difficult times.

Cuba has been facing an escalating crisis due to natural disasters and energy shortages. The recent hurricanes have exacerbated pre-existing conditions, leading to mass blackouts and significant economic challenges. The situation has intensified public discontent, resulting in protests demanding better living conditions and infrastructure. The earthquake adds another layer of complexity to the struggles faced by the Cuban people, already reeling from the impacts of hurricanes and power outages.

In conclusion, the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake has added further strain to an already beleaguered Cuba, which is still recovering from severe hurricanes and energy crises. The residents, notably in eastern regions like Santiago, have reported anxiety and fear but, as of now, no significant injuries or damage. The combination of natural disasters and social unrest continues to present formidable challenges for the island nation, necessitating urgent attention and support from both local authorities and the international community.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com

Samir Khan

Samir Khan is a well-respected journalist with 18 years of experience in feature writing and political analysis. After graduating from the London School of Economics, he began his career covering issues related to governance and societal challenges, both in his home country and abroad. Samir is recognized for his investigative prowess and his ability to weave intricate narratives that shed light on complex political landscapes.

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