**Eastern Cuba Struck by 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Amid Ongoing Crises**

A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake rattled eastern Cuba on Sunday, further straining an island already dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes and extensive blackouts. According to the United States Geological Survey, the epicenter of the quake was approximately 25 miles south of Bartolomé Masó.

The tremors reverberated through the eastern part of Cuba, impacting larger cities such as Santiago de Cuba. Despite the intensity, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. Residents of Santiago, Cuba's second-largest city, experienced the brunt of the quake, with many shaken and retreating to the streets in fear.

Yolanda Tabío, a 76-year-old resident of Santiago, described the chaos as people rushed outdoors, nervously staying near their doorways. She recounted feeling at least two subsequent aftershocks but had not heard of any major damage among her friends and family. "You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything," she told The Associated Press.

The earthquake adds to a series of recent calamities that have plagued the nation. Just four days prior, Category 3 Hurricane Rafael devastated western Cuba, causing island-wide power outages, destroying hundreds of homes, and necessitating the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents. Power restoration efforts were ongoing, leaving many still without electricity.

Earlier in October, Cuba was also struck by a series of events that started with prolonged blackouts due to an energy crisis. This was quickly followed by another powerful hurricane hitting the eastern region, resulting in at least six fatalities.

These continuing hardships have led to increasing discontent among the population, with small protests arising as people struggle to cope with the ongoing challenges.