The province of Granma, in Cuba, suffered the impact of several earthquakes that left four people injured and various material damages, according to official media.
Among those affected are a 5-year-old girl and a 48-year-old woman in the municipality of Pilón, as well as a minor and an adult in the community of La Junta, belonging to Media Luna.
Despite the magnitude of the seismic movements, no deaths directly associated with these events were reported.
However, the authorities confirmed the alleged “coincidence” of three deaths in the most affected territories: a person with terminal cancer and two people who suffered heart attacks, with no direct connection to the tremors.
On the other hand, it should be noted that in the municipality of Pilón the situation is critical, being one of the most affected in Granma with the total collapse of three homes and more than 200 buildings that show partial damage. Losses to the residents’ personal property were also reported.
In addition, the Félix Lugones Ramírez Hospital suffered structural damage, although patients were relocated to safe areas, and medical care has supposedly been reinforced to address the needs that arose after the earthquake.
It is important to remember that the earthquakes occurred since Sunday morning, and they arrive just at a time when much of the island was recovering from the scourges of hurricanes Óscar and Rafael.
On the other hand, the electrical damage (which is enough for anything to happen) also constantly mortifies the people, who, in turn, fear that the Castro regime will begin to use these blows from Mother Nature as the perfect excuse to continue generating chaos.
Editorial of Cubans around the World
Title: Navigating Earthquakes: An Interview on Recent Events in Granma, Cuba
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news, where we tackle the pressing issues of our time. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Maria Suárez, a seismologist and expert in earthquake preparedness. Dr. Suárez, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Suárez: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: As reported, the province of Granma in Cuba recently experienced several earthquakes that resulted in injuries and property damage. Can you give us an overview of what happened?
Dr. Suárez: Absolutely. Over the past weeks, Granma has faced multiple seismic events that affected the municipality of Pilón and the community of La Junta in Media Luna. Four individuals were reported injured, including a 5-year-old girl and a 48-year-old woman. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, which is always a relief in such situations.
Interviewer: That’s fortunate, indeed. Could you explain why these earthquakes might occur frequently in regions like Granma?
Dr. Suárez: Cuba is situated near the boundary of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates. This positioning makes it susceptible to seismic activity. The energy from the shifting plates can accumulate until it’s released as an earthquake. Granma, while beautiful and rich in culture, is one of those areas that residents must remain vigilant.
Interviewer: What are some of the risks associated with these earthquakes, especially for vulnerable populations?
Dr. Suárez: The risks are manifold. For young children and the elderly, like the injured individuals from Pilón and La Junta, injuries can be more severe due to their physical vulnerability. Property damage can also lead to longer-term issues like homelessness or displacement, particularly in areas where buildings aren’t constructed with seismic safety in mind.
Interviewer: Given these risks, what measures can communities take to prepare for and respond to such natural disasters?
Dr. Suárez: Preparedness is key. Communities should engage in educational programs that inform residents how to create emergency plans and assemble disaster kits. Also, building codes should be enforced to ensure structures can withstand seismic events. Local governments must also have response plans in place to quickly mobilize services for those affected.
Interviewer: What role do you think government and local authorities should play in earthquake preparedness?
Dr. Suárez: They play a crucial role. Officials need to allocate resources towards infrastructure improvement, conduct regular drills, and provide clear communication about risks and safety protocols. Strong leadership during and after an earthquake can significantly reduce panic and help communities recover more swiftly.
Interviewer: That’s valuable insight. How can individuals contribute to their own safety and the safety of their neighbors?
Dr. Suárez: Individuals should be proactive about their safety. Familiarizing themselves with earthquake safety protocols, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” is essential. Forming community groups for emergency response is also beneficial. When neighbors look out for one another, the community as a whole can become much stronger in the face of disasters.
Interviewer: As we wrap up, Dr. Suárez, what’s your final message for those living in earthquake-prone areas?
Dr. Suárez: Be informed and prepared. Knowledge is power when it comes to earthquakes. Stay updated on your local geological activity, participate in community preparedness programs, and share what you’ve learned with others. Together, we can ensure that we are all more resilient to the challenges posed by nature.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Suárez, for sharing your expertise with us today. We appreciate your insights into a critical issue that affects many regions, especially Granma, Cuba.
Dr. Suárez: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
Interviewer: And thank you to our audience for tuning into Time.news. Stay safe and informed!