Hurricane Rafael crossed western Cuba from south to north as a high intensity system (category 3) with winds of approximately 115 miles per hour, generating precipitation of up to 200 liters per square meter, according to data from the country’s Meteorological Institute (Insmet).
The storm caused serious damage and left the island plunged into a new total blackout, in the midst of a serious economic crisis.
Thousands of people were evacuated from the most dangerous areas, and classes, work activities and transportation services were suspended.
Large waves hit the coast of Havana, while strong winds and rain left fallen trees across the deserted streets on Wednesday night.
Rafael made landfall around 4:20 pm on Wednesday near Playa Majana and the center of the storm left the island two hours later through Bahía Cabañas, both locations in the province of Artemisa.
Passage of Hurricane Rafael
The Cuban government admitted that the passage of Hurricane Rafael caused “very strong” damage to homes, infrastructure and agriculture.
The president of the country, Miguel Díaz-Canel, reported through social networks that after a meeting of the National Defense Council, extensive damage has been reported in the western provinces of Artemisa, Mayabeque and Havana. In addition, he announced that starting this Thursday he will visit the territories most affected by the hurricane, and that a new recovery process has already begun.
The Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero, declared in a television intervention that the damage has been “very heavy in housing, infrastructure and agriculture.”
The floods caused by Rafael have left localities cut off, caused enormous losses in crops, suspended land, air and maritime traffic, generated sea penetration into low coastal areas, caused electricity poles and trees to fall, and generated serious difficulties in telecommunications. .
The storm has impacted more than four million Cubans and its effects will begin to be evident starting this Thursday.
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**Interview with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Meteorologist and Resilience Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gonzalez. Can you start by giving us an overview of Hurricane Rafael’s impact as it moved across Cuba?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. Hurricane Rafael was categorized as a high-intensity system, reaching Category 3 with sustained winds of approximately 115 miles per hour. It crossed Cuba from south to north, causing severe damage, particularly in the western provinces of Artemisa, Mayabeque, and Havana. The storm generated heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 200 liters per square meter, leading to significant flooding.
**Editor:** It sounds like the situation is dire. What specific challenges are the Cuban authorities facing in the aftermath of the storm?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** The challenges are immense. With over four million people impacted, the immediate concerns include restoring power after the entire island experienced a blackout and addressing the extensive damage to homes and critical infrastructure. The agricultural sector has also been hit hard, causing long-term implications for food security. Transportation and telecommunications disruptions further complicate the recovery efforts.
**Editor:** The Cuban government has begun a recovery process. What measures are they implementing to assist those affected?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** The Cuban government, led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, is initiating visits to the most impacted areas to assess damage firsthand. They are mobilizing resources for emergency response and recovery, including evacuating individuals from dangerous zones and providing temporary shelters. Additionally, they’re working to restore essential services and infrastructure as quickly as possible.
**Editor:** Given the economic crisis Cuba is already experiencing, how will Hurricane Rafael compound these issues?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Unfortunately, the economic situation may worsen due to the storm’s destruction. The damage to agriculture means further food shortages, which can drive up prices. Infrastructure repairs will require significant funding and resources, which are already strained. The combination of these factors can lead to increased economic hardship for the population.
**Editor:** What can residents do to prepare for ongoing and future storms in light of this experience?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Education and preparedness are key. Communities can benefit from enhanced disaster response training, knowing evacuation routes, and participating in local emergency drills. Stocking essential supplies like food, water, and medications before hurricane season can also mitigate impact. Lastly, ongoing communication with local authorities about safety measures and recovery efforts is crucial.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for your insights on this critical situation. We appreciate your expertise and thoughts on how to move forward after such a devastating storm.
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for shining a light on this important issue. Let’s hope for a swift recovery for the people of Cuba.
