Monday, November 11, 2024 A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, affecting not only the island but also neighboring nations, including The Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, and the United States Minor Outlying Islands. The quake adds to a string of challenges for the Caribbean region, impacting residents and the tourism sector, as natural disasters continue to disrupt life and travel plans across several popular destinations.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó in Cuba, with tremors felt across the eastern part of the island, including the cultural hub of Santiago de Cuba. Known for its rich history and music, Santiago saw both residents and visitors flood the streets, with some travelers opting to stay outdoors due to aftershocks. “It was a tense atmosphere,” said Santiago local Yolanda Tabío, 76, who recounted feeling two aftershocks but reported no immediate damages among her family and friends.
This earthquake compounds recent challenges for Cuba, where multiple hurricanes have already wreaked havoc on infrastructure and disrupted travel. Just days before, Category 3 Hurricane Rafael struck western Cuba, causing power outages island-wide, destroying homes, and prompting evacuations. October brought similar chaos, with prolonged blackouts due to an energy crisis, followed by another hurricane that devastated the eastern region and claimed six lives.
For the travel and tourism industry, the impact stretches .