Cuba Faces Earthquake Amid Ongoing Hurricanes and Power Crises
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba on November 10, 2024, shortly after hurricanes and extensive blackouts. The quake, felt in major cities including Santiago de Cuba, prompted brief panic but reports indicate no significant damage or injuries. The seismic event adds to ongoing distress faced by the island due to recent extreme weather and infrastructural challenges.
On November 10, 2024, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, exacerbating the challenges faced by the island following a series of hurricanes and power outages. The earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of Bartolome Maso, as reported by the United States Geological Survey. It was felt throughout eastern Cuba, including major cities like Santiago de Cuba, sparking concern among the residents. Yolanda Tabio, a resident of Santiago, described the experience: “You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything.” Thankfully, initial reports indicated no significant damage or injuries. This seismic event occurred shortly after Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm that caused widespread disruption, power failure, and forced thousands to evacuate. Cuba has been suffering from ongoing blackouts, which have fueled public discontent and small protests across the nation. The country’s recent difficulties began with substantial blackouts and an energy crisis that plagued the island for weeks. Following these blackouts, a powerful hurricane struck in October, resulting in several fatalities. The combination of these extreme weather events and continuous blackouts has left the populace in a state of distress, making the earthquake a particularly daunting challenge for the affected communities.
Cuba has faced a succession of natural disasters and infrastructural failures that have severely impacted its population. The recent hurricanes, coupled with chronic power outages, have contributed to widespread socio-economic distress. The island’s vulnerabilities have been further highlighted by public protests and discontent regarding the government’s response to these crises. The earthquake serves as another layer of adversity amid these ongoing challenges, illustrating the precarious situation in which many Cubans find themselves.
The recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in eastern Cuba came at a particularly difficult time for the island, already grappling with the aftermath of hurricanes and widespread power outages. Initial reports suggest that there were no serious damages or injuries, mitigating initial fears among residents. However, as the population copes with recurring natural disasters and systemic energy issues, the path to recovery remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
Original Source: torontosun.com
