6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Eastern Cuba Following Hurricanes

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit eastern Cuba on Sunday, affecting cities like Santiago de Cuba. While there are reports of minor damages, particularly in Pilon, there are no serious injuries. This earthquake follows recent hurricanes and power outages that have plagued the island due to an ongoing energy crisis.

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, exacerbating the distress already faced by residents following recent hurricanes and widespread power outages on the island. The tremors were felt in major cities, including Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries, although some minor damage was noted in the town of Pilon, where residents shared images of collapsed roofs and wall cracks on social media. During the quake, individuals in Santiago reported spilling into the streets in panic, with resident Yolanda Tabio recounting her experience of feeling multiple aftershocks, stating, “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything.” Reports from British tourists in Jamaica also confirmed that aftershocks were felt there, indicating the quake’s reach.

Cuba has recently endured significant weather disturbances, including Hurricane Rafael, which impacted western areas of the island just days prior to the earthquake. The hurricane’s aftermath included extensive power outages and destruction of homes. The ongoing energy crisis in Cuba, amplified by a long-standing US embargo that restricts access to necessary repair components, has left many residents vulnerable. Furthermore, the island had previously experienced severe blackouts, further contributing to the urgency of the situation.

In conclusion, the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Cuba has compounded the challenges faced by the residents of the island, coming on the heels of devastating hurricanes and an ongoing energy crisis. Despite initial fears and minor damages reported, there have been no significant injuries. The resilience of the Cuban people remains evident, even amidst these continued natural challenges.

Original Source: news.az