The 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the eastern region of Cuba early Monday morning left fear, uncertainty, and destruction in its wake, according to a moving testimony that captures the anguish experienced by those affected and their family members living in other countries.
The devastation and emotional impact on the most vulnerable communities highlight the severity of the situation and the urgent need for attention, as noted in a Facebook post by Yau Salcedo.
"It was a night without sleep, another dawn that dragged on, and my mind was spinning aimlessly. Knowing that my loved ones and thousands of others are experiencing the fear of another earthquake is painful, and you can't imagine how much. Nature is showing itself, and so is God," he expressed.
Salcedo recounted the experience of his mother, whose vacant gaze and tears bore witness to the terror she had endured.
He also criticized the response of the Cuban state media, which downplayed the impact of the phenomenon: “I still have to hear in the official media in Cuba that there are ‘some reports’ and that the damage was already ‘due to the previous earthquake,’” he wrote with indignation.
In his post, he also mentioned the devastation experienced by the community of Baire, in Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba province, particularly in areas like Avenida 4 and Carretera Central, where poverty and precarious conditions further exacerbate the situation.
“I am very sorry for my neighbors who are facing this destruction amidst so much misery and calamity,” Salcedo added, expressing sorrow over the difficult reality his community is experiencing after the earthquake.
Despite everything, his message concluded on a hopeful note: “I continue to believe that no night can last so long that the sun never rises again,” hinting at a yearning for a better situation, in the broadest sense of the word, for Cuba.
The earthquake that occurred around 1:00 a.m. (local time) this Monday, with its epicenter located in the southwest of Santiago de Cuba, caused landslides and the fall of large rocks in Babujal, in the municipality of Guamá, Santiago de Cuba, as evidence of the magnitude of the natural disaster.
The incident occurred after Uvero, in a section deemed very dangerous due to the proximity of the mountain to the road.
A scientific study published by the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS) on its website this Monday indicates that earthquakes tend to occur more frequently at night in certain regions of the Caribbean.
This finding is being disclosed due to the concerns raised among the population following the earthquake.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Earthquake in Eastern Cuba
What was the magnitude of the earthquake that shook eastern Cuba on December 23, 2024?
The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.1, and its epicenter was located 35 kilometers southwest of Chivirico, in the province of Santiago de Cuba.
Which provinces of Cuba were affected by the earthquake on December 23, 2024?
The earthquake was primarily felt in the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, although there were also reports of it being perceptible in Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila.
What has been the response of the official Cuban media to the recent earthquakes?
According to testimonies from some citizens, the official Cuban media has downplayed the impact of the earthquakes, referencing "some reports" and attributing damage to the previous quake. This attitude has sparked outrage among those affected.
What kind of damage did the earthquakes cause in eastern Cuba?
The earthquakes caused structural damage to homes and state buildings. In the province of Granma, more than 2,000 homes were reported as affected, while in Santiago de Cuba, 234 homes sustained damage. Landslides were also recorded in Santiago de Cuba.
What measures have been taken to protect the population affected by the earthquakes in Cuba?
Authorities have recommended evacuating high floors and moving to safe areas. Additionally, the population is being kept informed through official channels, and assessments of structural damage in the affected areas are being conducted.
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