A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Cuba on Sunday, inflicting material damage as the island grapples with the aftermath of widespread blackouts and two hurricanes. The quake hit about 39 km south of Bartolomé Masó, following an earlier 5.9 magnitude tremor.
Landslides, power line damage, and cracked buildings have been reported across Granma Province and the municipality of Pilón, according to President Miguel Díaz-Canel. Images published by Cubadebate reveal crumbling walls and debris scattered across the ground. Residents in Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantánamo described the quake as the strongest they've ever experienced.
“Strong as ever. We’ve felt earthquakes before, but nothing like this,” said Griselda Fernandez from the region. The National Seismological Service's head, Enrique Arango Arias, echoed the dire situation, noting significant damages in Pilón.
Though no significant tsunami threat emerged, authorities remain vigilant. The quake’s shockwaves were even felt in southern Florida, with videos from Miami capturing swaying ceiling lights.
This disaster follows closely after Hurricane Rafael, which left the island struggling with power outages, intensifying the challenges Cuba faces in its recovery efforts.
