6.8 magnitude earthquake shakes Cuba after hurricanes and blackouts

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake has shaken eastern Cuba after weeks of hurricanes and blackouts that have left many on the island reeling.

The epicenter of the quake Sunday was located approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of Bartolome Maso, Cuba, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The rumbling was felt across the eastern stretch of Cuba, including in bigger cities like Santiago de
Cuba. It wasn’t immediately clear if the earthquake resulted in damage or any injured.

On Wednesday, Category 3 Hurricane Rafael ripped through western Cuba, with strong winds knocking out power island-wide, destroying hundreds of homes and forcing evacuations of hundreds of thousands of people.

Weeks before in October, the island was also hit by a one-two punch. First, it was hit by island-wide blackouts stretching on for days, a product of the island’s energy crisis. Shortly after, it was
slapped by a powerful hurricane that struck the eastern part of the island and killed at least six people.

The blackouts and wider discontent among many struggling to get by has stoked small protests across the island.

SOURCE: The Associated Press