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A thick black smoke alarmed residents of Santiago de Cuba this Saturday, following the circulation of images on social media showing flames near the Santiago port.
The first alert came from the independent communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who shared photographs showing a column of smoke rising over the industrial area.
The images sparked concern among the population, still marked by the memory of other recent fires in the country.
Hours later, local authorities clarified the situation. Aris Arias Batalla, head of Operations and Relief of the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) in Santiago de Cuba and provincial vice president of the Firefighters Association, reported that it was not an unforeseen incident, but rather a controlled burn of mats, scheduled for this weekend in coordination with port specialists and the Fire Department.
According to the explanation, these mats, also known as cargo separators, serve essential functions in protecting goods during maritime transport by preventing damage from moisture, condensation, or abrupt movements within the holds. However, when accumulated, they can pose epidemiological risks, which is why they are periodically destroyed under technical supervision.
“Everything is secured and planned,” emphasized Arias Batalla, while insisting that there was no danger to the population or to nearby facilities.
However, the practice raises questions, as open-air burning produces thick smoke that impacts the air quality in a city already battered by industrial pollution and transportation issues. The population, which breathed in that smoke for hours, may wonder if there are less harmful alternatives for the environment, a question that the so-called "Clarifying Note" did not address.
The episode reveals, once again, how the lack of immediate information creates anxiety among Cubans, who turn to social media to raise alerts and seek explanations when they see smoke or hear sirens in their city.
Frequently asked questions about the smoke in Santiago de Cuba and the burning of mats
What caused the black smoke in Santiago de Cuba?
The black smoke in Santiago de Cuba was caused by a controlled burning of mats, conducted in coordination with the local port and the Fire Department. This procedure was planned to avoid the epidemiological risks posed by the accumulation of mats.
Why is the burning of mats done in Santiago de Cuba?
The burning of mats is carried out to eliminate epidemiological risks that may arise from the accumulation of these structures at the port. The mats, used as load separators, can pose a danger if not handled properly, which is why their destruction is technically supervised.
Are there alternatives to burning mats to prevent pollution in Santiago de Cuba?
The clarification note did not provide details on alternatives to the burning of mats. The environmental impact of the thick smoke worries residents, who suffer from reduced air quality in a city already affected by industrial pollution. It is essential to explore less harmful methods for the environment.
What measures are being taken to prevent fires in Santiago de Cuba?
The provincial vice president of the Volunteer Firefighters Association of Cuba, Aris Arias Batalla, has emphasized the importance of prevention and has warned about the increasing risk of fires in urban micro-dumping sites. The public is urged to cooperate and the authorities to enhance waste management to prevent further incidents.
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