In response to the escalating seismic activity in eastern Cuba, where a staggering 885 earthquakes were recorded within a mere 24-hour period, Santiago de Cuba's authorities are contemplating the establishment of a field hospital as a strategic measure to tackle the ongoing crisis.
According to sources from the provincial Health Department, each hospital in the region has been instructed to form specialized medical teams. These teams would consist of surgeons, anesthesiologists, therapists, orthopedists, and other specialists. "The field hospital would be situated in the Plaza de la Revolución," a health sector official disclosed. "This large open space, distanced from buildings, has previously been utilized for similar purposes during past seismic crises."
However, the official expressed concerns about the added strain on the already overstretched hospitals, which have suffered a significant loss of professionals due to mass emigration in recent years. The shortage of medical supplies and medications remains a pressing issue. "We hope for the best, but if disaster strikes, it will starkly highlight our resource deficiencies. Our hospitals are practically operating under 'field medicine' conditions daily due to these shortages," the source lamented.
In the town of Pilón, Granma, which lies closest to the epicenter of Sunday's earthquakes in Cuba, a field hospital has already been established. It was set up in the vicinity of the Félix Lugones Ramírez health institution, which suffered severe damage from the tremors, as reported by local broadcaster CNC Granma on its website.
Seismic Turmoil Keeps Eastern Cuba on Edge
Over the past day, the network of stations from the National Seismological Service, part of the National Center for Seismological Research, has documented 885 earthquakes. This situation has left the eastern Cuban population and its leaders deeply concerned.
Dr. Enrique Diego Arango Arias, head of the National Seismological Service, had previously alerted the public via social media about the "quite complicated" seismic activity after two earthquakes struck on Sunday southeast of Pilón, in Granma province.
The government of Santiago de Cuba, well-versed in managing such seismic events, has advised residents of the territory's 11 high-rise buildings to remain in open spaces. The eastern region endured a powerful shake on Sunday, initially by a foreshock measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale, followed by a principal earthquake of 6.7 magnitude.