Brace for Impact

Image courtesy: NBC News

On November 10, 2024, the Cuban government reported a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the eastern coast of Cuba. The abrupt quake left the coastal provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Granma reeling, causing severe damage to homes, schools, and power lines, turning city streets into disaster zones in seconds. Miraculously, however, both provinces reported no deaths or injuries (The New York Times). 

This earthquake was preceded by a tremor about an hour earlier, measuring approximately 5.9 in magnitude. 

The quake became part of a series of natural disasters that have battered Cuba throughout November. Just days earlier, on November 5, the nation endured Hurricane Rafael, a Category 2 storm with winds reaching up to 105 mph. The hurricane caused widespread devastation, destroying 461 homes, displacing over 283,000, and leaving roads and pathways blocked by downed telephone lines. Beyond the physical damage, the storm has worsened food shortages in hard-hit villages, prompting residents to organize informal soup kitchens to feed those in need (AP). 

With the outbreak of multiple natural disasters, Cuba remains in a vulnerable position, facing an urgent need for recovery efforts and support as communities grapple with widespread damage and resource shortages. The resilience of its people, amidst the physical and emotional toll, highlights both the challenges they face and the strength they continue to demonstrate in times of crisis.