The General Staff of the Civil Defense of Cuba announced this Wednesday the activation of the “alarm” phase in the western and central provinces of the country, including Havana, that are preparing for the direct impact of Hurricane Rafael, classified as category two (on a scale of five) today.
A Civil Defense publication indicates that the five western provinces (Matanzas, Mayabeque, Havana, Artemisa and Pinar del Río), the central provinces (Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus and Cienfuegos), as well as the special municipality of Isle of Youth.
Category 2 Hurricane Rafael
The eastern regions of Cuba, which include Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, Las Tunas, Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila, remain in the “information” phase.
According to the United States National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Rafael has reached category two.
The “information phase” is the first of four stages that the Cuban authorities have defined to deal with natural disasters. This is followed, depending on the evolution of the phenomenon, by the “alert” phases (when the arrival of a cyclone is expected in the next 48 hours), “alarm” (24 hours before impact) and the “recovery” phase.
EFE
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**Interview with Dr. Elena Rodriguez, Meteorologist and Disaster Management Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rodriguez. Hurricane Rafael has just made landfall in Cuba as a category 3 storm. Can you summarize the current situation on the ground?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s a devastating situation. As of now, Hurricane Rafael has indeed made landfall as a category 3 storm. The General Staff of the Civil Defense has activated the alarm phase across several provinces, including Havana, where around 50,000 people have sought shelter. The storm’s impact has already knocked out power to large areas, and the heavy rains and winds continue to pose significant risks.
**Interviewer:** What specific measures are being taken by the government in preparation for the storm’s impact?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** The government has implemented several critical measures. They have activated emergency services and set up evacuation centers primarily in the western and central provinces. In addition to sheltering people, local authorities have been distributing supplies, including food and water, to ensure that those in shelters are safe. They’re also conducting thorough assessments to prepare for post-storm recovery.
**Interviewer:** Hurricane Rafael was initially classified as a category 2 storm before landfall. Can you explain the significance of these classifications?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Absolutely. The Saffir-Simpson scale categorizes hurricanes from 1 to 5 based on wind speed and potential damage. A category 2 hurricane can cause significant damage, including uprooted trees, power outages, and structural damage to buildings. When a storm strengthens to category 3, as Rafael has, the stakes become even higher, with the potential for devastating impact on infrastructure and safety. It’s crucial that residents take all warnings seriously.
**Interviewer:** What advice do you have for residents affected by this storm?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** I urge everyone to heed evacuation orders and stay informed through official sources. It’s important to have emergency kits ready, with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, and flashlights. Stay indoors and away from windows during the storm, and follow updates from local authorities regarding recovery efforts and safety precautions.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez, for your insight on the situation. We hope for the safety of all those affected.
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Thank you for having me, and I appreciate your attention to this important matter.
