### Earthquake Shakes Eastern Cuba Amidst Weeks of Turmoil

HAVANA – Eastern Cuba was struck by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake on Sunday, adding to a series of recent calamities that have plagued the island. According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake's epicenter was located approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó.

The tremor was felt widely across the eastern regions of Cuba, including major cities like Santiago de Cuba. Despite the strong shaking, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries. In Santiago, Cuba's second-largest city, residents were visibly rattled. Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old Santiago resident, recounted how people fled to the streets and continued to sit nervously in their doorways. Tabío mentioned experiencing at least two aftershocks but noted that, among her circle of friends and family, no damages had been reported.

This earthquake comes at an especially difficult time for Cuba. Just last Wednesday, Hurricane Rafael – a Category 3 storm – wreaked havoc in western Cuba. The hurricane's strong winds led to widespread power outages, the destruction of hundreds of homes, and the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents. Days later, a significant portion of the island was still without electricity.

Adding to the strife, October saw Cuba facing island-wide blackouts that lasted for days due to an ongoing energy crisis. Following the blackouts, another powerful hurricane hit the eastern part of the island, resulting in the loss of at least six lives.

These successive disasters have exacerbated the challenges faced by the Cuban population, leading to small protests as frustration grows among those struggling to cope with the persistent adversities.