According to the reports on Tuesday (12 November), on Sunday (10 November), Cuba experienced two strong earthquakes that heavily impacted the eastern provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Granma. The first tremor, a 5.9-magnitude quake, struck mid-morning, followed an hour later by an even stronger 6.8-magnitude tremor. The quakes caused widespread power outages as transformers and power lines sustained significant damage, leaving many residents without electricity. Emergency teams have been mobilized to restore power, but officials caution that full recovery may take days.
The back-to-back quakes caused structural damage to buildings, with reports of cracked walls, collapsed roofs, and landslides blocking roads. Older homes, common in Cuba, were particularly affected, with social media capturing scenes of crumbling structures. Although no fatalities have been confirmed, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and responding to numerous calls for assistance from affected residents. Fear and panic spread among locals, who reported intense shaking and loud noises as the quakes struck.
Cuba’s power grid, already under strain due to recent natural disasters, was significantly hit by the earthquakes, worsening the island’s ongoing energy crisis. The government is making efforts to stabilize the system, but the aging infrastructure is challenging their progress. Aftershocks continue to rock the region, adding to the challenges residents and emergency responders face. Earthquake monitoring agencies have warned of potential further aftershocks in the coming days.
In recent months, Cuba has faced a series of natural disasters, including Hurricane Rafael, which recently left parts of the island devastated. This latest disaster has renewed concerns about the country’s vulnerability to such events and the limitations of its infrastructure. As recovery efforts unfold, officials are urging residents to follow safety guidelines, stay informed, and be prepared for further disruptions. The Cuban government remains focused on restoring essential services and providing aid to those most affected by these ongoing challenges.
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