6.8 magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast of eastern Cuba
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Cuba on Sunday, causing significant material damage as the island struggles to recover from recent widespread blackouts and the impact of two hurricanes. The quake occurred around 39 kilometers (24 miles) south of Bartolomé Masó just before noon local time, following a 5.9 magnitude tremor in the same area about an hour earlier, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The seismic activity has caused landslides, damaged homes, and disrupted power lines, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said in a statement. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage to begin recovery efforts.
Images from Granma Province shared by the state-run outlet Cubadebate reveal buildings with cracked walls and debris scattered across the ground. Enrique Diego Arango Arias, head of Cuba’s National Seismological Service, reported extensive damage in the municipality of Pilón. “There’s been a lot of destruction,” Arango said, describing the situation as “quite complicated.
Power outages and limited communications have exacerbated the challenges. I can’t answer messages or phone calls. I haven’t been able to post, Arango shared on Facebook, highlighting the difficulties faced by residents in the aftermath of the quake.
The earthquake adds to an already dire situation in Cuba. The island has been grappling with the effects of recent hurricanes, including Hurricane Rafael, which toppled infrastructure and caused prolonged blackouts. The tremors have further strained resources, leaving many areas in urgent need of assistance.
Authorities are prioritizing rescue and recovery efforts in the most affected regions, with teams dispatched to assess structural integrity and provide aid to impacted communities. While no immediate casualties have been reported, the scale of the damage is still being evaluated.
This latest disaster underscores the vulnerability of Cuba’s infrastructure, already weakened by natural disasters and economic challenges. As the nation begins to rebuild, the focus remains on restoring power, clearing debris, and ensuring the safety of residents in the quake-hit regions.
The back-to-back hurricanes and now this earthquake highlight the growing need for stronger disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience on the island. Recovery will require both national and international support to address the immediate needs and long-term rebuilding efforts.
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