6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Eastern Cuba Amid Ongoing Crisis

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, further complicating the island’s recovery efforts from recent hurricanes and widespread blackouts. The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso, Cuba. The tremors were felt across eastern cities such as Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo, and even reached nearby Jamaica.

Although there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries, residents in Santiago, Cuba’s second-largest city, described feeling intense shaking, with some reporting aftershocks. In the town of Pilon, residents shared images of minor structural damage, such as cracks and crumbling roofs, highlighting the vulnerability of Cuba’s older buildings.

This earthquake comes at a time when Cuba is already reeling from the effects of recent natural disasters. Last Wednesday, Hurricane Rafael hit western Cuba, causing widespread power outages, damaging homes, and displacing hundreds of thousands. The island had also been struggling with an energy crisis, leading to extended blackouts throughout October, compounded by a deadly hurricane that struck the eastern part of Cuba, killing at least six people.