A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck just off the coast of eastern Cuba on Sunday, November 10, 2024. This quake has added to the region’s ongoing recovery efforts from a recent wave of severe weather, including two hurricanes and widespread blackouts. Here’s a closer look at the unfolding situation.
Where and When Did It Happen?
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 39 kilometers (24 miles) south of Bartolomé Masó, a city already reeling from natural disasters. The tremor hit just before noon, roughly an hour after a smaller 5.9 magnitude quake was also reported in the same area, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Impact on Infrastructure and Power Lines
Local authorities have reported various degrees of damage, particularly in the province of Granma. Images released by the Cuban news outlet Cubadebate reveal the severity of the impact—cracked walls, debris-littered streets, and toppled power lines. Landslides in some areas have worsened the situation, obstructing recovery work.
“We are evaluating the damages and preparing for a recovery effort,” stated Cuban President Miguel DÃaz-Canel. Given the cumulative impact of hurricanes Rafael and Oscar, Cuban officials are concerned about the toll these recent natural disasters are taking on the island’s infrastructure.
Pilón Municipality Severely Affected
Pilón, one of the hardest-hit municipalities, has sustained significant damage. Enrique Diego Arango Arias, who heads the National Seismological Service of Cuba, described the area’s situation as critical. Residents are facing challenges with communication due to disrupted services.
In a social media post, Arango Arias noted, “The situation is difficult here; we are dealing with multiple issues and are unable to answer messages or take calls easily.”
Eastern Provinces Feel the Quake’s Force
The earthquake’s effects extended to the eastern Cuban provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantánamo. Residents here have reported feeling one of the strongest tremors in recent memory. One local, Griselda Fernandez, described it as, “The strongest quake I’ve ever felt—unlike anything we’ve experienced before.”
Recent Hurricanes Add to the Challenges
Just a few weeks before this quake, the eastern provinces were battered by Hurricane Oscar, while Hurricane Rafael tore through the western side of the island, leaving widespread power outages in its wake. The combination of these storms has severely impacted Cuba’s power grid and made recovery efforts even more challenging.
Minimal Tsunami Threat, Shockwaves Felt in Southern Florida
Thankfully, there is little risk of a tsunami, as confirmed by the US National Tsunami Warning Center. However, they did caution that “a small possibility of tsunami waves exists along the immediate coastlines near the epicenter.”
Interestingly, the effects of the quake reached as far as southern Florida, where buildings swayed gently. Social media videos from Miami show ceiling lights swinging, a sign of the earthquake’s reach beyond Cuban shores.
What’s Next for Cuba?
Cuba now faces the daunting task of rebuilding. With ongoing recovery efforts following two hurricanes, and now a major earthquake, the nation is bracing for an extended period of restoration. Citizens and officials alike are calling for international support as they work to restore essential services, stabilize infrastructure, and recover from these severe blows.
In Summary:
- 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck south of Bartolomé Masó, eastern Cuba, on November 10, 2024.
- Significant damage reported in Granma Province, especially Pilón.
- The quake comes as Cuba deals with extensive damage from recent hurricanes.
- Shockwaves were felt as far as Miami, Florida.
This event serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Cuban people, who, despite numerous setbacks, continue to band together in the face of adversity.
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