Significant Earthquake Hits Eastern Cuba Amid Ongoing Crises
A magnitude-6.8 earthquake hit eastern Cuba, affecting major cities without immediate reports of major damage. Residents experienced aftershocks and shared their experiences, including photos of minor structural damage. The quake follows devastating hurricanes and an energy crisis exacerbated by the United States’ embargo.
On Sunday, eastern Cuba experienced a significant earthquake measuring 6.8 in magnitude, following a series of hurricanes that had already impacted the region. The tremor was felt widely, particularly in major cities such as Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Despite the quake’s intensity, there were no immediate reports of serious injuries or extensive damage, although residents reported feeling strong aftershocks. In Santiago de Cuba, local resident Yolanda Tabio described the scene, noting that many emerged from their homes into the streets, anxiously awaiting further developments. “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,” she recounted. Similarly, numerous residents from the small town of Pilon shared images on social media showcasing minor damage, including collapsed roofs and visible cracks in their buildings. Even the aftershocks were felt across the Caribbean, reaching as far as Jamaica where British tourists Carmen Bezzina and Tracy Morgan expressed their unfamiliarity with such tremors, describing the unsettling experience during their stay in Negril. This seismic event follows Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, which had already wreaked havoc in western Cuba by knocking out power and damaging numerous homes. The ongoing challenges facing the island are exacerbated by an energy crisis influenced heavily by the six-decade-long U.S. blockade, which restricts vital imports necessary for infrastructure repair. Recent blackouts have lasted several days, leaving Cuban citizens in a precarious situation, particularly after multiple natural disasters within a short timeframe.
Cuba, located in the Caribbean, is frequently at risk from natural disasters, as it confronts both hurricanes and earthquakes due to its geographical position. The island has previously dealt with severe hurricanes, such as Hurricane Rafael, which left many without power and caused significant destruction. The impact of such disasters is intensified by a longstanding economic blockade from the United States, which hinders the import of essential resources for recovery and repair. The current seismic activity adds another layer of distress to an already strained population, following weeks of crisis that have seen disrupted power and increased vulnerability.
In summary, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Cuba has highlighted the island’s ongoing vulnerability to natural disasters. The aftermath reveals the resilience of its residents, despite previous challenges posed by hurricanes and a crippling energy crisis. The lack of immediate severe damage offers a glimmer of hope, yet the broader implications reflect systemic issues that require urgent attention and support.
Original Source: news.az
