A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, shaking buildings and reporting damages, particularly in Santiago de Cuba and nearby towns. The quake, occurring at a depth of 14 km, followed a 5.9 magnitude tremor. Residents recalled the intensity of the shaking, while authorities assured no tsunami threat was present. The incident adds to the growing list of natural calamities impacting the island, complicating recovery efforts from recent hurricanes.
On Sunday, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 in magnitude struck eastern Cuba, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor was felt across Santiago de Cuba, the country’s second-largest city, and its neighboring areas. The seismic event originated off the southeastern coast near Granma province, close to Bartolome Maso, a historically significant site linked to former Cuban leader Fidel Castro during the Revolution. Residents described the shaking as the most intense they had experienced, with significant shaking of buildings and dishes dislodged from shelves. While damages were documented in the nearby town of Pilon, particularly given that many structures in this area are aged and thus more susceptible to seismic activities, there was no imminent tsunami threat detected. Prior to the 6.8 quake, a 5.9-magnitude tremor was recorded in the vicinity, according to the USGS. The National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that no tsunami risk was expected following these seismic occurrences. These events contribute to a series of natural disasters that have recently impacted Cuba, including Hurricane Oscar, which devastated the eastern region in October, and Hurricane Rafael, which led to widespread power outages following the collapse of the national grid, affecting 10 million citizens. Recovery operations from these disasters are ongoing, while many areas still experience frequent blackouts, making communication challenging. Seismic activity is predominantly concentrated in the Santiago region, attributed to a fault line that delineates the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, as indicated by Cuba’s seismic monitoring service. Notably, the Cuban capital, Havana, experienced no impacts from the earthquake. In summary, the recent earthquake highlights both the geological vulnerabilities and the ongoing recovery struggles in Cuba amidst a backdrop of multiple natural calamities. The local population continues to grapple with the implications of these disasters while authorities work to address infrastructural damages and improve communication capabilities in the region.
Cuba is situated on a fault line between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, making it particularly susceptible to seismic events. The region around Santiago de Cuba has a history of significant earthquakes, which are important for both residents’ experiences and the broader cultural context. Additionally, recent hurricanes have compounded the challenges faced by the eastern part of the island, leading to infrastructural damage and disruptions in essential services such as electricity. Earthquakes and hurricanes in parallel confront the Cuban population with a unique set of challenges, necessitating effective emergency response strategies and rebuilding efforts.
In light of the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba, resilience remains crucial for the impacted regions. The event serves as a reminder of both the geological risks facing the island and the ongoing struggles following a series of natural disasters. As authorities and residents work towards recovery, the restoration of essential services will be pivotal. The experience of local communities also highlights the importance of preparedness for future seismic activities in an area prone to such events.
Original Source: www.theglobeandmail.com
