Eastern Cuba was struck by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake on Sunday, adding to the island’s recent string of hardships. The quake, with its epicenter south of Bartolomé Masó, was felt across the eastern region, including Santiago de Cuba, though there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries. This latest event follows weeks of devastating hurricanes, widespread blackouts, and ongoing economic struggles that have left many Cubans in a state of distress. The earthquake’s impact, however, adds another layer of concern for the island nation already facing significant challenges.
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A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, sending tremors across the region and leaving residents shaken. The earthquake, which occurred just 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso, follows weeks of hardship for the island, including hurricanes, blackouts, and a deepening energy crisis. While initial reports indicate no major damage or injuries, the quake further complicates the situation in Cuba, where many are still struggling to recover from previous disasters and grappling with ongoing economic difficulties.
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Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, causing widespread power outages and significant damage. After weakening to a Category 2 hurricane, Rafael is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico and potentially impact the southern and southwestern regions. The storm’s future track remains uncertain but it is unlikely to significantly impact the northern Gulf of Mexico. Rafael’s potential for significant impact on the United States is decreasing, though the storm’s moisture could lead to torrential rainfall in the Southeast.
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Cuba is standing at a precipice, teetering on the edge of what can only be described as a total collapse. My heart aches as I watch a nation that once held a romantic allure deteriorate into a landscape characterized by widespread blackouts and economic despair. Just three weeks ago, I returned from Cuba, a place that I have visited numerous times in the past fifteen years, and the drastic changes I observed were unsettling. It is not merely the infrastructure that crumbles; it is the very spirit of the Cuban people that seems to be under siege.
The pervasive blackouts have become a common, tragic echo in the lives of everyday Cubans, affecting their ability to work, live, and hope.… Continue reading
As I read about Cuba’s grid collapsing once again, my heart aches for the people living in such difficult conditions. With a looming hurricane adding fuel to the fire, the situation seems dire. The energy and mines minister’s promises of a fully functional grid by Monday or Tuesday are likely just empty words, further exacerbating the suffering of the Cuban people. This regime seems to be hanging on by a thread, with leaders possibly fleeing to safe houses in Miami and Mexico, abandoning their citizens in their time of need.
The idea of a hurricane hitting an island already struggling with an indefinite power outage is truly a recipe for disaster.… Continue reading
As I sit here reflecting on the recent news of Cuba’s electrical grid collapsing once again, just as a hurricane looms on the horizon, I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness and frustration. The fact that power had been restored to only 160,000 clients in Havana before the collapse is truly disheartening, especially considering that Cuba has a population of over 11 million people. It must be incredibly challenging to restore an entire island with outdated equipment and a lack of resources.
The state of Cuba’s electrical grid seems to be a reflection of the larger issues plaguing the country.… Continue reading
I was in Cuba this summer, staying at an all-inclusive hotel, and even there, I experienced rolling power outages, limited food options, and questionable water quality. It’s alarming to think that this is the reality for the average Cuban on a daily basis. It’s disheartening that Cuba’s deteriorating situation receives little media coverage, highlighting the struggles faced by millions in the country. The recent shutdown of schools and non-essential industries, coupled with widespread electricity shortages, paints a bleak picture of the state of affairs in Cuba.
The political system in Cuba is often characterized as a single-party authoritarian regime, where political opposition is not tolerated.… Continue reading
The government of Cuba has declared itself in a ‘war-time economy,’ a term usually reserved for extreme situations. What exactly does this mean for the people of Cuba? Well, the country ended 2023 with some alarming statistics – an inflation rate of 30%, a 2% contraction in the economy, and a depreciation of the Cuban currency by over 50% against major currencies like the dollar and euro in the informal market. This is definitely not a good sign.
Cuba is a communist country, so maybe this move is not entirely surprising. Being a command economy already, how can you really tell the difference when a ‘war-time economy’ is declared?… Continue reading
Russian warships en route to Cuba holding missile drills in the Atlantic – now that’s a headline that sparks a mixture of intrigue, fear, and skepticism. The four-ship grouping, including the impressive Gorshkov frigate and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, is making its way to Cuba. With the fleet also comprising the fleet oil tanker Pashin and the rescue tug Nikolay Chiker, it’s a display of military prowess that cannot be ignored.
It’s no secret that America must be watching closely as these Russian warships make their way toward Cuban waters. The question remains – what are the true intentions behind these missile drills in the Atlantic?… Continue reading
Russian warships entering Havana harbor under Washington’s watchful eye certainly raises eyebrows and sparks a mixture of reactions. The sight of a cruiser and a submarine, accompanied by two support ships, including a tug boat, seems almost comical. It’s amusing to note that Russian warships always travel with a tug, as if anticipating a breakdown or malfunction. It’s almost as if we are witnessing a historic event akin to Columbus and the Spanish Empire’s exploration.
The journey across the ocean without any mishaps is definitely an accomplishment for the Russian sailors, considering recent incidents of ships catching fire and sinking. The fact that they made it across unscathed deserves a nod of acknowledgement, albeit with a touch of sarcasm.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker
Hurricane Rafael Intensifies, Sparks Political Divide as It Heads Towards Cuba and Gulf Coast
Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, causing widespread power outages and significant damage. After weakening to a Category 2 hurricane, Rafael is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico and potentially impact the southern and southwestern regions. The storm’s future track remains uncertain but it is unlikely to significantly impact the northern Gulf of Mexico. Rafael’s potential for significant impact on the United States is decreasing, though the storm’s moisture could lead to torrential rainfall in the Southeast.
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