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Luis Enrique Ramos, a historian of Meteorology in Cuba, shared a map on social media depicting the natural disasters that struck the island in 2024, a particularly tough year marked by economic crisis, rampant inflation, epidemics, and widespread blackouts, which further exacerbated the situation for the population.
In his post, Ramos emphasized that "no region emerged unscathed," reflecting how extreme weather events have made their mark across the entire nation.
“2024 will be a memorable year for many reasons; and in reflecting on what has happened in the country, it is important to dedicate a section to the natural phenomena that left a tangible impact in terms of human and material damage,” Ramos noted in his post.
According to the historian, weather systems played a prominent role in the year's landscape, as their effects intertwined with the social and economic factors that define daily life in Cuba.
Ramos emphasized that no region of the island has escaped the onslaught of nature: The events, which included severe storms, hurricanes, and earthquakes of magnitude over 6 in the southeastern part, highlighted the country's vulnerability to extreme phenomena.
"Whether due to the effects of the wind, the rain, or the sea, all regions experienced some type of impact," he stated.
Due to the impossibility of detailing each phenomenon separately, Ramos chose to depict on the map the areas most affected by natural disasters, highlighting the most significant events.
The publication not only reflects the extent of these phenomena but also their direct relation to the challenges the island faces regarding resources and response capacity.
The map details the dates when hurricanes Oscar and Rafael made landfall, with the former impacting the province of Guantánamo and the latter entering through Artemisa and striking the western region.
The dates and locations of the earthquakes with magnitudes 6.3 and 6.1 are also included, which were recorded southeast of Pilón in Granma and near Chivirico in Santiago de Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Disasters in Cuba in 2024
What natural disasters affected Cuba in 2024?
In 2024, Cuba was affected by severe storms, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Hurricanes Oscar and Rafael caused significant destruction, and earthquakes measuring over 6 on the Richter scale were recorded in the southeastern part of the country.
What were the most devastating hurricanes in Cuba during 2024?
The hurricanes Oscar and Rafael were the most devastating in Cuba in 2024. Oscar primarily impacted the province of Guantánamo, while Rafael severely affected Artemisa and Havana, resulting in significant material damage and loss of life.
What impact did the earthquakes have in eastern Cuba in 2024?
The earthquakes in eastern Cuba caused damage to buildings and affected thousands of people. Several tremors were recorded, notably one with a magnitude of 6.3 southeast of Pilón in Granma, and another measuring 6.1 near Chivirico in Santiago de Cuba.
How did the Cuban government respond to natural disasters in 2024?
The Cuban government implemented preventive measures and responses to natural disasters. Early alerts were issued and evacuations took place, although criticism regarding the speed and effectiveness of the response was persistent, especially following Hurricane Oscar in Guantánamo.
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