Tropical Storm Rafael continues to strengthen as it moves toward the west of Cuba, and according to the latest forecast model from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the right side, also known as the "dirty side" of the storm, will directly impact Havana.
According to the website of the International Hurricane Research Center at Florida International University, the most intense part of Rafael, which is expected to hit Cuba as a hurricane, could bring strong winds, torrential rains, and dangerous waves, increasing the risk of disasters in the Cuban capital.
Furthermore, the dirty side of a hurricane also brings with it another danger: the occurrence of tornadoes.
The scientific institution clarifies that the "right side of the storm" is defined in relation to its trajectory. In other words, "if the hurricane is moving west, the right side is located to the north of the storm; if the hurricane is moving north, the right side will be to the east of the storm, and so on respectively."
The strength of Rafael's "dirty side," combined with the poor structural condition of the housing in Havana, poses a danger to the residents of the Cuban capital.
Many structures in the city are in critical condition and may not withstand hurricane-force winds. Additionally, heavy rains could increase the risk of collapses in vulnerable buildings.
Additionally, Rafael's right side may also bring heavy rain, which could cause flooding in low-lying areas of the city that already have inadequate drainage systems.
This is compounded by concerns about unsanitary conditions in the streets, as the accumulation of garbage and waste could worsen the public health situation, especially during prolonged rainfall.
Havana is facing a significant challenge with the arrival of Rafael, which could make landfall in Cuba as a category 2 hurricane. Proper preparation will be crucial to minimize damage in a city already vulnerable to the forces of nature.
In this context, the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel assured that the country is "prepared and organized" to face this new danger, a statement that stands in stark contrast to the harsh reality of government management during the recent crisis.
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