MIAMI – A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Cuba, sending emotional shockwaves across South Florida.

The quake, which occurred on Sunday, is yet another challenge for the island nation still reeling from weeks of hurricanes and power outages.

The Epicenter and Local Impact

The epicenter was located approximately 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso, Cuba, creating significant concern among many South Floridians who have loved ones on the island.

One woman, speaking outside the iconic Versailles restaurant in Miami, shared her worries: "I haven’t been able to reach my relatives due to the lack of electricity and light on the island."

Response to Recent Disasters

Residents felt the tremors all the way to major cities like Santiago de Cuba. This natural disaster follows closely on the heels of Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm that wreaked havoc in western Cuba just days earlier.

Reports indicate that the combination of the hurricane and the earthquake could exacerbate the already difficult conditions facing the local population, particularly in terms of access to basic necessities like clean water and electricity.

"I just came back from there," one man recounted to Local 10 News. "The situation is dire with the ongoing issues related to power and water. After the hurricane, things have become even worse."

City of Miami's Reassurance

In response, the City of Miami has issued a reassurance to its residents. They stated, "We are aware that some residents in the Brickell/downtown area may be concerned about the recent earthquake off the coast of Cuba, but we want to ensure everyone that Miami has not felt this earthquake or any aftershocks."

A Call for Solidarity and Support

With the region’s infrastructure already under strain from repeated natural disasters, experts warn that the impacts of this earthquake could lead to a humanitarian crisis in Cuba.

Residents in South Florida, often closely connected to their Cuban relatives, are anxiously awaiting news and hoping for a swift recovery for the island nation.

As South Floridians come together to support each other during these trying times, many are also exploring how they can assist their families and friends in Cuba.

Social media is buzzing with calls for donations and aid as the community rallies to lend a helping hand, making a strong case for how interconnected our experiences are during times of crisis.