Havana, Nov 7 (EFE).- The Cuban Civil Defense decided to move this Thursday to the “recovery” phase in the western provinces affected by Hurricane Rafael that crossed the island the day before, and to “normality” at from the center.
Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Mayabaque, Havana and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud (in the west) thus begin recovery work after the impact of the tropical cyclone the day before.
Meanwhile, the provinces of Matanzas (west), Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus and Ciego de Ávila (center) return to “normality,” once Rafael left Cuban territory, according to the Cuban organization specialized in disasters.
The “information phase” is the first of four stages that the Cuban authorities establish to face natural disasters. This is followed, according to the evolution of the phenomenon, by the “alert” (when the cyclonic presence is expected in the next 48 hours), “alarm” (24 hours in advance) and the “recovery” phase.
However, the Institute of Meteorology warned that rains and winds will continue in the affected regions.
Rafael crossed western Cuba this Wednesday, from south to north, as a hurricane of great intensity, leaving in its wake enormous destruction – including a new total blackout in the country – with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour and rains of up to 200 liters per square meter.
The cyclone affected more than four million people – including more than two million in Havana – and represented a new blow for a country mired in a serious economic and energy crisis for five years.
The tropical cyclone organism caused considerable material damage, according to EFE, in the provinces of Havana and Artemisa, the two where the greatest damage is expected. No casualties have been reported so far.
In addition, there is the new total blackout of the National Electrical System, which was already in a precarious state due to repeated breakdowns in its obsolete thermoelectric plants and the fuel deficit, the result of the lack of foreign currency to import it.
Rafael is the second hurricane to impact Cuba in the current hurricane season. On October 21, Hurricane Óscar (category 1) entered the province of Guantánamo, the easternmost province of Cuba, and then was downgraded to a tropical storm, before leaving Cuban territory through the province of Holguín (northeast).
Previously, in late September and early October, hurricanes Helene and Milton passed near the western region of the island, where they caused light flooding in coastal towns, power outages and damage to agriculture.
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**Interview on Hurricane Rafael Impact and Recovery in Cuba**
**Host:** Welcome to our special segment on the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, which recently swept through Cuba, causing significant disruption in multiple provinces. Joining us today is Dr. Elena Torres, a disaster management expert from the Cuban Institute of Meteorology. Thank you for being here, Dr. Torres.
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we discuss the impact of Hurricane Rafael and the steps our communities are taking to recover.
**Host:** Let’s start with the immediate effects of the hurricane. What can you tell us about the damage reported in the western provinces?
**Dr. Torres:** As of now, provinces such as Pinar del Río, Artemisa, and Havana were particularly hard hit. There were reports of landslides, flooding, and power outages. Thankfully, we have now transitioned into the recovery phase in these areas, which allows us to focus on restoring normalcy and addressing the needs of affected residents.
**Host:** That’s very reassuring. What does this recovery phase involve, and how are local authorities managing the situation?
**Dr. Torres:** The recovery phase is critical. It involves assessing damages, distributing aid, and restoring infrastructure. Local authorities are working closely with civil defense teams to clear roadways, provide shelter, and ensure that basic services like water and electricity are being restored as quickly as possible.
**Host:** I understand that the country uses a structured approach to disaster management. Can you explain the phases, particularly where we stand now?
**Dr. Torres:** Certainly. The Cuban Civil Defense operates under a four-phase system: information, alert, alarm, and recovery. We are currently in the recovery phase for the western provinces, while central provinces have returned to “normality.” However, it’s important to note that residual weather effects from Rafael, such as rain and wind, may still pose challenges.
**Host:** Given the severity of this hurricane and the ongoing effects of climate change, how is Cuba preparing for future storms?
**Dr. Torres:** Preparedness is continuous. We emphasize community education on disaster risks, invest in infrastructure improvements, and strengthen our early warning systems. The collaboration between government agencies and community organizations is vital to enhance resilience against future events.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights on Hurricane Rafael’s impact and the ongoing recovery efforts in Cuba. We appreciate your time and expertise.
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for shedding light on this important topic. Together, we can build a more resilient future.
