Cuban government urges not to be complacent in the face of Hurricane Rafael 

The intensity of the rains and winds will cause flooding. Photo: Ismael Batista

In view of the imminent passage of Hurricane Rafael through Cuban territory, the Council of Ministers, in an extraordinary session, reviewed with each of the western provinces and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud the measures taken to face the passage of this meteorological system, which is expected to begin to directly impact national soil starting this Wednesday.Led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the meeting was attended by videoconference by the highest government authorities of Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Isla de la Juventud, Havana, Mayabeque and Matanzas, who reported on the evacuation of people, the protection of material assets (with special emphasis on maritime vessels, roofs, communication towers, water tanks on rooftops, among others), the early harvest of crops, the sale of food to the population and the readiness of power generators in the most sensitive locations.They also pointed out the work that is being carried out quickly to clean sewers, drains, and channels that could obstruct the flow of water and cause flooding. Special attention was paid to Havana, which has been affected for months by the daily collection of solid waste. According to reports, it has been strengthened with equipment and personnel to collect the largest amount of garbage in the shortest time possible.Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz called on people not to be complacent about the hurricane's passage, as the expected path will result in significant damage. It is better to take too much action than to fall short of the situation, said the Head of Government.In this regard, Dr. Celso Pazos Alberdi, director of the Institute of Meteorology, had explained to the members of the Council of Ministers that "there is a complex meteorological situation in our area, because it is not only Hurricane Rafael, but there are also areas of cloudiness, with showers and rain in the northern part of Cuba and the surrounding areas, which means that there is a high probability of precipitation throughout the country."According to reports, the work of the leadership in the western provinces will be reinforced with several members of the Secretariat of the Central Committee and deputy prime ministers of the Government, as is usually done in these contingencies. Likewise, it was assured that attention continues to the four Guantánamo municipalities (San Antonio del Sur, Imías, Maisí and Baracoa) impacted by Hurricane Oscar and their recovery.

Photo: Estudios Revolución

Photo: Estudios Revolución

Photo: Estudios Revolución

Photo: Estudios Revolución

Photo: Estudios Revolución