Eastern Cuba Rocked by 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Amid Recent Hurricanes
On November 7, 2024, eastern Cuba was shaken by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake following extreme hurricanes and blackouts. The quake’s epicenter was about 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso, affecting many residents in cities like Santiago de Cuba. While initial reports indicated no major damage or injuries, the populace remains anxious after recent natural disasters and ongoing energy crises in the country.
On Sunday, November 7, 2024, eastern Cuba experienced a significant earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, following weeks of extreme weather conditions marked by hurricanes and widespread blackouts. The United States Geological Survey pinpointed the quake’s epicenter approximately 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso. Tremors were felt across several cities, including Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo, with reports also indicating that vibrations reached as far as Jamaica. Fortunately, local authorities reported no immediate major structural damage or injuries in Cuba, yet residents reacted with alarm, particularly those in Santiago, the island’s second-largest city. Elderly resident Yolanda Tabío described her terrifying experience, stating, “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything.” The earthquake followed closely on the heels of Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm that devastated many areas of western Cuba just days prior, leaving a significant number of residents without power and leading to the evacuation of hundreds of thousands. The cumulative recent impacts of the hurricane and earlier blackouts have contributed to growing distress among the population, resulting in small-scale protests across the nation.
Cuba is currently facing a series of compounding crises, including severe climatic events and an ongoing energy crisis that has left many citizens struggling. The recent debilitating effects of hurricane activity have amplified the challenges citizens are experiencing, characterized by damaged infrastructure, heightened vulnerability to natural disasters, and a general unrest amid economic difficulties. Prior to the earthquake, Hurricanes had disrupted daily life, leading to widespread outages and prompting governmental responses amid public dissatisfaction.
The recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba amid a series of hurricanes is emblematic of the ongoing struggles faced by the island’s residents. With prior hurricanes leaving damage and many without power, the recent seismic event only adds to the mounting pressures on the population. Although immediate reports indicated minimal injury and structural damage, the psychological impact and worry among residents persist as they continue to navigate a challenging environment.
Original Source: tt.loopnews.com
