A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, causing widespread concern among residents already grappling with the aftermath of recent hurricanes and power outages. The epicenter of the quake was located approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó, Cuba, as reported by the United States Geological Survey.
The tremors were felt across the eastern region of Cuba, including in major cities like Santiago de Cuba. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries resulting from the earthquake.
Residents in Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, were left visibly shaken by the seismic activity. Many took to the streets, seeking safety in doorways and open spaces. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident, described the frightening experience of witnessing walls and structures swaying during the quake. While there were a couple of aftershocks, she mentioned that she had not heard of any substantial damages among her acquaintances.
This earthquake comes at a challenging time for Cuba, which has been facing a series of natural disasters and infrastructure issues. Just days before the earthquake, Category 3 Hurricane Rafael swept through western Cuba, causing widespread power outages, property damage, and necessitating large-scale evacuations. The impact of the hurricane left many parts of the island without electricity for days.
Prior to the hurricane, Cuba was already grappling with a severe energy crisis that led to island-wide blackouts, exacerbating the living conditions for many residents. Shortly after the power outages, a powerful hurricane struck the eastern part of the island, resulting in the loss of at least six lives.
The combination of blackouts, natural disasters, and economic challenges has fueled discontent among the population, leading to sporadic protests across the island. The resilience of the Cuban people is being tested as they navigate through this tumultuous period of adversity.
