On Sunday, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, adding to the growing series of challenges faced by the island. The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó, in eastern Cuba. The tremor was widely felt across the region, including in Santiago de Cuba, the nation’s second-largest city. However, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties, and the full extent of the effects on infrastructure and residents remained unclear.
In Santiago, the earthquake caused widespread alarm. Residents rushed to the streets, with some nervously sitting in their doorways in the aftermath. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old local, described how everything appeared to be shaking, including the walls of buildings. She also mentioned feeling at least two aftershocks, but as of yet, no reports of damage had reached her or her circle of friends and family. The experience left many feeling unsettled, but no major destruction was initially reported.
Eastern Cuba Hit by 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Amid Growing Challenges and Recent Natural Disasters
This earthquake comes at a particularly difficult time for Cuba, which has been grappling with a series of natural and social crises. Just days before, on Wednesday, Category 3 Hurricane Rafael caused havoc across western Cuba, knocking out electricity across the island, destroying hundreds of homes, and prompting large-scale evacuations. Even after the storm passed, widespread power outages continued, compounding the already difficult living conditions for many Cubans.
Adding to the strain, Cuba has been enduring ongoing power shortages due to an energy crisis. These blackouts have been exacerbated by a series of hurricanes in recent weeks, which have caused further damage and led to a rising sense of frustration. In October, the island faced a prolonged blackout that lasted for days, followed by another hurricane that devastated the eastern region of Cuba, leaving at least six people dead. The cumulative effects of these events have strained the country’s resources and infrastructure.
The repeated crises, including the hurricanes, blackouts, and widespread energy shortages, have led to growing discontent among Cubans. Small protests have been occurring across the island, with many residents expressing their frustration over the government’s inability to address their basic needs, including stable power and safe living conditions. As Cuba continues to recover from the latest disasters, the situation remains precarious, with many hoping for relief amidst the ongoing challenges.
