As of this Tuesday, academic activities have been suspended in the western provinces of Cuba due to the threat of tropical storm Rafael.
The authorities have raised the alert in the territories of Matanzas, Mayabeque, Havana, Artemisa, Pinar del Río and Isla de la Juventud, where the meteorological phenomenon could impact as a hurricane in the coming hours.
The Presidency of Cuba announced this measure on its social networks during the night of Monday, communicating the suspension of classes to guarantee the safety of students and teachers in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the National Civil Defense General Staff activated the cyclonic alert from three in the afternoon, instructing local authorities to execute protection plans for the population and material assets in these six territories.
Information Phase for the rest
The provinces from Villa Clara to Camagüey remain in the Information Phase. Its residents have been asked to remain alert to the rains associated with Rafael and comply with official recommendations.
The Civil Defense, in its second information note on the then tropical depression number 18, warned the population of the possible evolution of the phenomenon and reiterated the importance of following the guidelines of local authorities.
NHC Update
The United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed that the center of Tropical Storm Rafael was located near latitude 17.0 North, longitude 78.0 West.
Rafael is moving toward the northwest near 13 mph (20 km/h). A generally northwesterly movement is anticipated over the next few days. On the forecast track, the storm is expected to move near Jamaica this morning, be near or over the Cayman Islands this evening, and be near or over western Cuba on Wednesday.
According to details from journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, now the greatest threat looms over the provinces of Matanzas, Mayabeque, Havana and Artemisa, according to the updated cone of trajectories.
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Dr Maria Flores Burien, WA
**Interview with Dr. Maria Flores, Meteorologist at the Cuban Weather Institute**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Flores. We’ve just heard that Hurricane Rafael is intensifying and approaching the western provinces of Cuba. Can you update us on the current situation?
**Dr. Flores:** Thank you for having me. Yes, as of today, Hurricane Rafael is indeed strengthening and moving closer to our shores. The western provinces, including Matanzas, Mayabeque, Havana, Artemisa, Pinar del Río, and Isla de la Juventud, are under heightened alert. The conditions are evolving rapidly, and we’re monitoring it closely.
**Interviewer:** The Cuban authorities suspended academic activities as a precautionary measure. How crucial is this decision given the hurricane’s trajectory?
**Dr. Flores:** It’s an essential and proactive step. With the storm potentially making landfall as a hurricane, ensuring the safety of students and staff is a priority. By suspending classes, we can focus on emergency preparations and allow families to secure their homes.
**Interviewer:** Can you tell us what types of preparations are being recommended for residents in these affected areas?
**Dr. Flores:** Certainly. Residents should make sure they have emergency kits ready, which include food, water, medications, and important documents. Also, securing windows and doors, staying informed through reliable news sources, and having a plan for evacuation if necessary are critical steps.
**Interviewer:** How is the weather team responding to the situation as it develops?
**Dr. Flores:** Our meteorologists are working round-the-clock to track Rafael’s path and intensity. We’re continuously updating the public with the latest forecasts and ensuring that emergency services are prepared for any impact the hurricane may have.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Flores. We appreciate your insights and wish the best for all residents in the affected areas during this time.
**Dr. Flores:** Thank you for bringing attention to this important matter. Stay safe everyone.
