6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Eastern Cuba Amidst Ongoing Recovery from Hurricanes and Blackouts

HAVANA — A powerful earthquake of preliminary magnitude 6.8 struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, adding to the woes of an island already grappling with the aftermath of recent hurricanes and widespread power outages. The quake's epicenter was approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Bartolome Maso, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The tremors were felt throughout the eastern part of the country, affecting major cities like Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Residents in Santiago, Cuba's second-largest city, described the shaking as intense. "You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything," said 76-year-old Yolanda Tabío, who reported feeling at least two aftershocks. Despite the fear and chaos, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries.

In Pilon, a smaller town, social media posts showed minor damages such as cracks in walls and crumbling roofs, a common sight in Cuba where many buildings require maintenance.

This seismic event follows closely on the heels of Category 3 Hurricane Rafael, which devastated western Cuba last Wednesday, causing island-wide power outages, destroying homes, and necessitating the evacuation of hundreds of thousands. The hurricane's aftermath left much of the island still in the dark days later.

Prior to Hurricane Rafael, Cuba was already under strain from extensive blackouts in October, exacerbated by an ongoing energy crisis, followed by another hurricane that claimed at least six lives in the east.

The combination of natural disasters and the resultant blackouts has led to small-scale protests across Cuba, highlighting the widespread discontent among residents struggling with basic services.

As Cuba continues to recover from these compounded crises, the government and relief organizations are on high alert, monitoring for any further impacts from the earthquake or additional natural events.