Sun Nov 10 23:05:06 UTC 2024: ## Powerful Earthquake Strikes Eastern Cuba, Adding to Recent Disasters
**Santiago de Cuba, Cuba** – A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 magnitude struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, adding another layer of hardship to a region already struggling with recent storms and widespread power outages. The tremor, centered about 40 km south of the town of Bartolome Maso, caused landslides, damaged homes and power lines, and left many residents shaken.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed the damage on social media, stating that the areas of Santiago de Cuba and Granma were affected. He assured the public that efforts to assess the damage and begin recovery were already underway, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the population.
Residents in the affected provinces described the earthquake as one of the most powerful they had ever experienced. Images shared by state-run media showed widespread damage to homes and public infrastructure, including collapsed roofs and facades, cracked walls, and shattered windows. The earthquake’s impact was felt as far away as Jamaica.
This latest disaster adds to a string of natural calamities that have plagued Cuba in recent months. In October, Hurricane Oscar brought heavy rains and widespread power outages, leaving six people dead. Last week, Hurricane Rafael caused further devastation, knocking out power for millions and displacing hundreds of thousands.
These events have exacerbated existing infrastructure problems and economic insecurity in Cuba, leaving many residents struggling with the aftermath of the storms and now the earthquake. Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected.
First Piper 