Two strong earthquakes shook the Caribbean island of Cuba on Sunday. The south-east of the island was affected. It is the second natural disaster to hit the Caribbean country in a few days. Hurricane “Rafael” swept across Cuba on Wednesday, causing destruction and power outages. There is still no information on deaths or the extent of the destruction after the earthquakes.
Earthquake and strong shock in Cuba
Sunday’s earthquakes had magnitudes of 5.8 and 6.8. According to the National Seismological Center of Cuba, the epicenter was about 35 kilometers off the coast of Granma province and about 175 kilometers from the city of Santiago de Cuba. After the strong crowd, government authorities urged people to stay outside.
Chaos after Hurricane ”Rafael”
The chaos on the island was already great after Hurricane “Rafael”. According to information from the government, several people were arrested in parts of the island due to protests against a power outage almost two days after the storm. As the Attorney General’s Office said on Saturday (local time), an unspecified number of people are being investigated for bodily harm, disturbing public order and damaging property in the capital city of Havana and in the provinces of Mayabeque and Ciego de Ávila.
“Rafael” made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday as an average category three hurricane with wind speeds of up to 185 kilometers per hour. According to the US Hurricane Center, “Rafael” swept over the island in two and a half hours and slowly lost strength on the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Although no one died, there was a lot of property damage – including the power grid.
Power outages and economic crisis
At first, power was out across the entire island, but by Saturday, according to authorities, power had been restored to half of Havana’s residents. However, in large parts of the capital and nearby Artemisa province, residents remained isolated.
Cuba is currently in the worst economic crisis since the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. High inflation and shortages of food and medicine are causing problems for the population.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Alicia Rodriguez, Seismologist and Disaster Response Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Rodriguez. Thank you for joining us today. The recent earthquakes in Cuba have certainly been alarming, especially on the heels of Hurricane Rafael. Can you provide us with an overview of what transpired this past Sunday?
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me. Yes, it was a significant event for the region. Two earthquakes struck Cuba—one measured 5.8 and the other, a more powerful 6.8. The epicenter was located approximately 35 kilometers off the coast of Granma province, which is quite concerning given its proximity to populated areas like Santiago de Cuba.
Editor: It’s remarkable how natural disasters can unfold back-to-back like this. Given the recent hurricane, how does this complicate the situation for emergency response teams in Cuba?
Dr. Rodriguez: Great question. The timing of these earthquakes is particularly challenging. After the hurricane, which caused widespread destruction and power outages, local authorities were already stretched thin dealing with recovery efforts. The earthquakes will likely exacerbate the existing challenges, not only complicating search and rescue operations but also impacting infrastructure that may have already been weakened by the storm.
Editor: That’s a sobering thought. Do we have any early reports on the potential damage caused by the earthquakes?
Dr. Rodriguez: As of now, there are no confirmed reports of casualties or extensive destruction. However, it’s important to note that assessments are still ongoing. Due to the timing of the earthquakes right after Hurricane Rafael, responders will need to prioritize safety, ensuring that aftershocks are monitored before fully committing to damage assessments.
Editor: Speaking of aftershocks, how common is it for strong earthquakes to be followed by smaller ones?
Dr. Rodriguez: Aftershocks are quite common in seismic activity. They occur as the Earth’s crust adjusts to the changes caused by the initial quake. It’s a process that can last for days, weeks, or even months after the main event. Residents must remain vigilant and be prepared for potential aftershocks, particularly in a region that’s already been hit hard.
Editor: What advice would you give to the people living in earthquake-prone areas, especially after experiencing such a tumultuous week?
Dr. Rodriguez: Preparedness is crucial. People should have emergency plans in place, know where to find safe spots in their homes during an earthquake, and create emergency kits with essential supplies. It’s also vital for local communities to participate in seminars or training sessions on disaster response.
Editor: That’s excellent advice. Looking ahead, how can local governments better prepare for such events in the future?
Dr. Rodriguez: Governments should invest in infrastructure that can withstand seismic activity and promote public education on emergency preparedness. Collaboration with international disaster response organizations can also enhance local expertise and resources. Regular drills can help ensure that the population is ready for emergencies.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez, for your insights today. It’s clear that the road to recovery might be long for Cuba, but with proper preparedness and response plans, the nation can hopefully navigate these challenges more effectively.
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for the best for the Cuban people during this difficult time.