After two significant earthquakes jolted the eastern region of Cuba on Sunday, with magnitudes of 6.0 and 6.7, reports have emerged of damage to homes and state buildings across several provinces, including Santiago de Cuba. Journalist Anolvis Cuscó Tarradell took to Facebook to display the cracks in the walls of the North Children's Hospital, locally known as "La Ondy," caused by the seismic activity.
In the community of El Cobre, further reports indicated damage resulting from the tremors, as highlighted by Cuscó in a Facebook post. "Severe structural damage in numerous homes," he noted. In another update, Cuscó pointed out that the recent earthquakes have exacerbated the precarious condition of the No.2 Lodge of the Masonic Order in Santiago de Cuba, which was already compromised. "Now, it is more vulnerable than ever, with many of its walls developing cracks," he stated.
Community Reactions and Documented Damage
Marilus Rivero reported in the Facebook group "Bazar Santiago de Cuba" about the damage in Manaca, El Cristo, due to the earthquakes. She shared images showing a house with significant wall damage, primarily cracks. In a follow-up post, she showcased more structural issues in another building in the same area.
William Sánchez Román, also posting in "Bazar Santiago de Cuba," shared photographs depicting the damage in an apartment within the José Martí urban center. These images prominently feature both vertical and horizontal cracks, underscoring the intensity of the seismic events recorded on Sunday.
Government Response and Safety Measures
While the earthquakes were felt across eastern Cuba and some central areas, the most severe impacts were reported in the Granma province. Dr. Enrique Diego Arango Arias, head of the National Seismological Service of Cuba at the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS), warned via social media about the serious situation following the two earthquakes southeast of Pilón in Granma province.
In response, the government in Santiago de Cuba has implemented various safety measures, advising residents of high-rise buildings to spend most of their day in open spaces, away from structures, to ensure their safety amidst ongoing seismic risks.