6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Eastern Cuba Amid Ongoing Crisis from Recent Hurricanes and Blackouts

An earthquake registering a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 jolted eastern Cuba on Sunday, following a series of hurricanes and power outages that have left the island in a vulnerable state. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the epicenter of the quake was situated around 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Bartolome Maso, Cuba.

Widespread Impact

The tremors from the earthquake were felt across the eastern stretch of Cuba, impacting larger cities such as Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Reports also indicated that local media in Jamaica noted the tremors on the island. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries in Cuba.

Residents in Santiago, the second-largest city in Cuba, were left in a state of unease on Sunday. Yolanda Tabío, 76, recounted how people flocked to the streets, nervously sitting in their doorways. She mentioned experiencing at least two aftershocks following the quake but had not heard of any damages among friends and family. Others shared their experiences, describing the strong and prolonged nature of the quake. Social media posts from residents in the small town of Pilon depicted minor damage, showcasing photos of crumbling roofs and cracks on building walls. Such effects are not uncommon in Cuba, where many structures are older and in need of repair.

Nature's Fury and Human Resilience

This earthquake struck during a challenging period for Cuba. Just a few days prior, on Wednesday, Category 3 Hurricane Rafael swept through western Cuba, unleashing strong winds that caused widespread power outages, destroyed hundreds of homes, and forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people. Even days later, much of the island was still grappling with the aftermath, struggling without power.

Furthermore, in October, the island had already faced the dual blow of extensive blackouts lasting several days, attributed to an ongoing energy crisis, followed by a powerful hurricane that predominantly affected the eastern part of the island, tragically claiming the lives of at least six individuals. The persistent power outages and the growing discontent among the populace have ignited small protests across the island, highlighting the mounting frustration of many residents striving to make ends meet amidst these ongoing challenges.