A 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook eastern Cuba recently, occurring in the wake of Hurricane Rafael and ongoing blackouts. Tremors were felt across several cities, with isolated reports of minor damage but no significant injuries. The event has exacerbated the existing difficulties faced by residents, who are reeling from recent hurricanes and energy crises.
On Sunday, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, compounding the challenges faced by the island following a series of hurricanes and widespread blackouts that have left many residents in distress. The quake’s epicenter was reported approximately 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso, as indicated by the U.S. Geological Survey. Tremors reverberated throughout the eastern regions of Cuba, with significant activity noted in cities such as Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. While initial reports do not indicate major injuries or damage in Cuba, concerns remain as the nation grapples with ongoing instability. Residents in Santiago were visibly shaken by the earthquake, with 76-year-old Yolanda Tabío recounting how locals rushed into the streets, fearful and unsettled. She described experiencing at least two aftershocks and observed a sense of unease among her friends and family, though she had not received reports of significant destruction. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” she stated. Others reported heightened panic, noting the quake’s intensity and duration. Residents in Pilon shared images on social media of minimal structural damage, including cracked walls and loose roofs, a common issue in older constructions across Cuba. This earthquake struck during a particularly difficult period for Cuba, which had previously been battered by Hurricane Rafael. The hurricane’s winds caused extensive power outages and significant property damage, forcing the evacuation of thousands. Just weeks prior, the country endured prolonged blackouts attributed to its ongoing energy crisis, further exacerbating public discontent and sparking protests across the island. Amid these successive natural disasters and systemic issues, the resilience of the Cuban people is once again being tested.
The recent earthquake in Cuba is set against a backdrop of environmental calamities and infrastructural challenges. The island has been grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, which caused widespread destruction and disrupted power supply. Prior instances of blackouts have also left the population frustrated and in distress. This pattern of natural disasters and systemic failures has led to heightened tensions within the community, as residents face mounting hardships and uncertainties about their future stability.
In summary, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that recently struck eastern Cuba adds to the island’s woes following Hurricanes Rafael and other crises. As residents cope with the emotional and physical impacts of natural disasters, the need for reliable infrastructure and responsive governance has become increasingly apparent. The situation underscores the resilience of the Cuban people as they navigate through yet another challenging chapter in their history of adversity.
Original Source: www.kxxv.com
