Cuba hit by 6.8 magnitude earthquake after being battered by hurricanes and blackouts

An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 hit eastern Cuba on Sunday, adding to the challenges faced by the island nation. The epicentre was located about 40 kilometres south of Bartolome Maso, Cuba, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was felt across the eastern stretch of Cuba, including in cities like Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Reports from Jamaica also indicated that the tremors were felt on the island.

Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries in Cuba. However, residents in Santiago, the country’s second-largest city, were left shaken by the event. Yolanda Tabio, 76, described how people took to the streets and were nervously sitting in their doorways. Although she felt two aftershocks, she hadn’t heard of any damage suffered by her friends and family.

Social media posts from residents in the small town of Pilon showed minor damage, such as crumbling roofs and cracks on building walls. Cuba, with many older structures in need of repair, is susceptible to such damage during earthquakes.

The earthquake comes at a difficult time for Cuba, following the recent Category 3 Hurricane Rafael that caused widespread destruction in western Cuba. The hurricane knocked out power island-wide, destroyed hundreds of homes, and forced many people to evacuate. Even days after the hurricane, the island was still struggling without power.

In addition to the natural disasters, Cuba has been facing an energy crisis that has resulted in island-wide blackouts. The combination of blackouts and the aftermath of Hurricane Oscar, which struck the eastern part of the island, has led to discontent among the population. Small protests have erupted across the island as many struggle to cope with the challenges they are facing.

The earthquake serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Cuban people in the face of adversity. It is a testament to their strength and unity as they continue to rebuild and recover from the series of disasters that have struck the island.