Cape Coral restaurant owner fears for Cuba family after earthquake

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—Many people in Southwest Florida are worried about loved ones in Cuba following an earthquake, with the biggest challenge being getting a hold of them.

WINK News spoke with several people who have spent hours trying to contact their family. While no injuries have been reported, family members still want to check on their loved ones.

Many Cuban Americans say frequent power outages and limited internet access make it nearly impossible to get through.

"Before you, I connected to you, I called my aunt, and it rings and rings and rings and rings, and no one, no one answers," Jackie Figueroa said.

Figueroa says her mother and her aunts, in their 80s and 90s, are still in Cuba.

"It's been impossible. We've been trying to reach my aunt in Havana, and also in Santiago de Cuba, and it's been very, very difficult because they are without electricity," Figueroa said.

Figueroa says her family often has just a few hours of power each day. Communication is unpredictable even before the earthquake.

"It's hard. We've been trying to get in touch with her, and we haven't been able to do it, and it's really hard. My mom is sick, and she's thinking about her sister," Figueroa said.

Idalmis Novo, owner of Chuchi's Restaurant in Cape Coral, says her family is also still on the island.

"I'm very sad because they already have so many problems. Now they'll have more add to their situation," Novo said.

Novo's cousin, Yamina Novo Cabeza, says this communication issue is not because of the earthquake.

"The situation is only getting worse. The government doesn't help at all. The people are starving to death," Novo Cabeza said.

Until power and internet service return, many families say they're left waiting for any sign their loved ones are safe. Figueroa says she's continuing to call and check social media for any updates.

She hopes the next time the power comes back on, she'll finally hear from her family.