6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Eastern Cuba Following Hurricanes and Blackouts

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, adding to the challenges faced by the island after recent hurricanes and power outages. The US Geological Survey reported that the quake's epicentre was located approximately 40 kilometres south of Bartolome Maso, Cuba. Tremors were felt across eastern Cuba, including major cities like Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Jamaica also reported feeling the tremors.

Residents in Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, were particularly affected by the quake. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, described how people rushed to the streets and remained anxious in their doorways. She mentioned experiencing at least two aftershocks but noted no reports of damage among her acquaintances. "You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything," she told The Associated Press.

Impact on Infrastructure

In Pilon, a small town in Cuba, residents shared images on social media showing minor damage such as crumbling roofs and cracked walls. This kind of damage is not unusual in Cuba due to the age and condition of many buildings. Despite these reports, there were no immediate accounts of significant damage or injuries across the island.

The earthquake occurred during a difficult period for Cuba. Just days earlier, Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, had swept through western Cuba. The hurricane caused widespread power outages, destroyed numerous homes, and led to the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people. Many areas were still without electricity days after the storm.

Recent Challenges

In October, Cuba faced additional hardships with island-wide blackouts lasting several days due to an energy crisis. Shortly thereafter, another powerful hurricane hit the eastern part of the island, resulting in at least six fatalities. These events have contributed to growing dissatisfaction among residents struggling with daily life challenges.

The ongoing blackouts and general discontent have sparked small protests across various parts of Cuba. The combination of natural disasters and infrastructure issues has left many Cubans feeling overwhelmed as they try to cope with these persistent difficulties.

As Cuba continues to deal with these challenges, residents remain hopeful for stability and recovery in the coming weeks. The resilience of the Cuban people is evident as they navigate through these trying times.