Powerful Earthquake Shakes Eastern Cuba

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, shaking Santiago de Cuba and surrounding areas. Tremors affected buildings, causing minor damages. The quake was initially reported at 5.8 but confirmed as 6.8. No tsunami warning was issued. Eastern Cuba faces ongoing natural disasters and recovery challenges.

A strong earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale shook eastern Cuba on Sunday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor impacted the city of Santiago de Cuba and its outskirts, causing buildings to shake severely.

Residents near the epicenter, located in Granma province near Bartolome Maso, reported experiencing one of the most intense quakes in recent memory, with homes and structures visibly rattling. Pilon suffered some damage, exacerbated by the vulnerability of older buildings in the area.

The earthquake was not predicted to cause a tsunami, and the region continues to deal with the fallout from recent hurricanes impacting power and communication. The island's southeastern coast, known for seismic activity, remains on alert.

(With inputs from agencies.)