Key Takeaways:
– Two significant earthquakes hit Southern Cuba, just days after Hurricane Rafael passed through the region.
– There have been no reported casualties, despite the extensive damage caused to homes.
– The tremors left residents shaken, adding to the prevailing emergency situation due to the recent hurricanes and widespread blackouts
– The country is also grappling with its most severe economic crisis since the early 1990s.
Earthquakes Raise Alarm in Post-Hurricane Cuba
Battered by the category-3 Hurricane Rafael only last Wednesday, Southern Cuba found itself in the grip of another natural disaster on Sunday. Successive earthquakes of 5.9 and 6.8 magnitudes, just an hour apart, sent shockwaves across the island, causing further damage to property.
Impact of the Quakes
Although no fatalities have been reported so far, the earthquakes have resulted in significant property damage. The tremors created cracks in walls and damaged many homes, forcing people into the streets. Dalia Rodriguez, a resident of Bayama, revealed her house had also been affected. Tales of swaying street poles and collapsed roofs added to the terrifying experience shared by many.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
These seismic disturbances have compounded the emergency situation in Cuba. Over the past three weeks, the island has suffered two hurricanes, two extensive blackouts, and now these twin earthquakes. On October 18th, a nationwide power outage occurred due to the failure of the country’s largest power plant. Hurricane Oscar further intensified the crisis just two days later.
Unrest Among the Locals
With the power cuts persisting for long hours over several months, citizens’ unrest has escalated into sporadic protests, with the authorities making an unspecified number of arrests. Hurricane Rafael’s aftershocks led to a power blackout lasting two days, pushing the country into a spiral of instability.
In the face of growing unease, the Cuban President, Miguel Diaz-Canel, has warned against any attempts to disrupt public order. As of Sunday, power had been restored for about 85% of the capital’s residents, while the western provinces of Artemisa and Pinar del Rio were still without electricity.
The Economic Crisis
The disasters come on top of an economic crisis that has gripped the nation since the dissolution of their key ally, the Soviet Union, in the early 1990s. Rising inflation and the scarcity of basic goods have further fueled the ongoing difficulties, making this a turbulent time for the inhabitants of the island.
Given the calamities they’ve endured, the path to recovery for Cubans looks to be steep and challenging. As they grapple with the consequences of the hurricanes, the earthquakes, the blackouts, and the economic crisis, solidarity and resilience will be their best allies.
## Conclusion
Despite significant infrastructure damage and an uncertain economic environment, the spirit of the Cuban people remains commendably high. Their ability to quickly respond to events and work together in the face of adversity is a testament to their resilience. In the midst of all these crises, the people of Cuba press forward, hoping for a brighter tomorrow amid the challenges of today.