Magnitude-6.8 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Cuba Amid Ongoing Crisis
A magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, following Hurricane Rafael. The quake affected cities including Santiago de Cuba, with minor reported damage. Residents described the tremors’ intensity, and aftershocks were also felt in Jamaica. Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis complicates recovery efforts after recent natural disasters.
On Sunday, a powerful magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck eastern Cuba amidst an ongoing crisis marked by hurricanes and extensive power outages. The tremor was felt widely across eastern cities, including Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Guantánamo, prompting residents to flee into the streets. Fortunately, there are no preliminary reports indicating significant damage or injuries. However, Santiago resident Yolanda Tabio described intense shaking within her home, stating, “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything.” Following the earthquake, at least two aftershocks registered, felt even in neighboring Jamaica, where tourists reported experiencing the residual tremors during their stay in Negril. The seismic occurrence follows a tumultuous period for Cuba, which has been battered by Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, only days prior. This recent hurricane devastated infrastructure across Cuba, resulting in substantial power outages and the destruction of homes. Furthermore, the island has been grappling with prolonged blackouts, exacerbated by an energy crisis largely attributed to the ongoing U.S. embargo which restricts the importation of essential repair components. Notably, the impact of these natural disasters compounds the social and economic difficulties faced by Cuban residents, particularly since the hurricane earlier this month led to the loss of six lives.
Cuba, an island nation frequently impacted by hurricanes, has been facing significant challenges due to severe weather and infrastructural vulnerabilities. The recent earthquake adds to the ongoing crisis resulting from Hurricane Rafael, which severely damaged the island just before the quake struck. Additionally, Cuba’s energy crisis is largely a result of the six-decade-long U.S. blockade that limits access to necessary resources for repairs and disaster recovery efforts. This context is crucial for understanding the compounded hardships faced by the Cuban populace during this tumultuous period.
In conclusion, the recent magnitude-6.8 earthquake in eastern Cuba has highlighted the precarious situation the island faces amid compounded challenges from natural disasters and an ongoing energy crisis. While the quake caused widespread alarm among residents, initial reports indicate no major destruction or injuries. Nonetheless, the situation remains critical as Cuba continues to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael and navigate the effects of long-standing external pressures.
Original Source: news.az
