6.8 magnitude earthquake shakes Cuba after hurricanes and blackouts

An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale shook eastern Cuba on Sunday. The earthquake occurred after weeks of storms and power outages that affected many people on the island.

The epicenter of this earthquake was reported about 40 km south of Bartolome Maso, Cuba.

The tremor was felt throughout eastern Cuba, including major cities such as Santiago de Cuba. So far, there have been no reports of damage or casualties.

Yolanda Tabio, a 76-year-old resident of Santiago, said people poured into the streets and were still sitting anxiously in front of their homes. He said he felt at least two aftershocks after the main earthquake, but none of his friends and family reported any damage.

"You should have seen how everything was moving, the walls, everything," he told the Associated Press.

This earthquake occurred during another difficult time for Cuba.

On Wednesday, Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 hurricane, tore through western Cuba with strong winds, knocking out power across the island, destroying hundreds of homes and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people. Days later, much of the island was still without power.

Weeks earlier, in October, the island also faced two strikes. First, nationwide blackouts lasting several days were a product of the island's energy crisis. Shortly after, a powerful typhoon hit the eastern part of the island, killing at least six people.

The blackouts and broader discontent among many people struggling to make ends meet have sparked small protests across the island.


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