The powerful earthquake that struck eastern Cuba on Sunday has caused significant damage to infrastructure across several areas in the Granma province. Particularly affected was the elevated tank of the Guanito Aqueduct in the Niquero municipality.
According to a Facebook post by local journalist Cuscó Tarradell, the supports of the tank—which is elevated high above the ground—are showing severe cracks and are at risk of collapse, posing an immediate danger to the nearby community. In his message, Tarradell urged local residents and workers to keep their distance from the site to prevent accidents. "The structure is severely damaged and could completely collapse," he warned.
Widespread Damage Across Granma
The earthquake's impact has not been confined to the aqueduct. Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló, the first secretary of the Party in Granma, reported partial collapses of homes and state buildings, as well as downed power poles and structural damage in several municipalities, including Pilón, Manzanillo, Bayamo, and Niquero.
Authorities have activated commissions to assess the damage and secure the affected areas, alongside deploying health teams to assist vulnerable individuals who might need relocation to safer locations.
Historic Landmark at Risk
An emblematic structure, the Cabo Cruz Lighthouse, also suffered notable damage. This 153-year-old lighthouse is a significant landmark in the fishing community of Cabo Cruz, where authorities have advised residents to remain in open spaces and avoid areas prone to collapse, such as the pier.
Meanwhile, Granma's Electric Company reported service interruptions across the province, affecting more than 14,000 users. According to the state-run newspaper Granma, electrical lines and transformers in various areas have collapsed, and restoring power will depend on safety evaluations at the damaged sites.
Aftershocks and Caution in Holguín
In the neighboring province of Holguín, the earthquake was felt in several municipalities, though the Civil Defense authorities confirmed that no damage to infrastructure or injuries have been reported. Despite this, the fear of aftershocks has led many families to stay in open areas, worried about the potential collapse of their homes.
The earthquakes in eastern Cuba have left a landscape of uncertainty and an urgent need for safety measures in the affected regions as authorities continue their evaluations and response actions.