The Civil Defense of Cuba showcased the use of a drone equipped with speakers this weekend as part of its national exercise Meteoro 2025, a maneuver aimed at simulating alerts for heavy rainfall.
In the video shared by the institution on its official Facebook profile, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is seen flying over an area while emitting the following message: “Attention, heavy rains are forecasted, please take shelter in safe areas.”
The demonstration took place at the headquarters of the National Civil Defense Staff and, according to the authorities, is part of the improvement of timely notification mechanisms for the population.
The researcher and historian Luis Enrique Ramos Nuevas praised on Facebook the “inclusion” of drones into the alert systems in Cuba.
"Here, an application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to transmit a warning about heavy rains, combining a recorded message broadcast through a speaker installed on board a UAV. Congratulations to our Civil Defense," he commented, celebrating what he described as a technological advancement in the Meteoro 2025 exercises.
Beyond the technological boast, the Civil Defense did not provide specific details in its brief message on social media regarding the alleged incorporation of drones into the alert systems.
It was not explained how, when, or in what contexts this resource would be employed: whether it would be intended for hard-to-reach areas, whether it would serve as a backup during prolonged blackouts, whether it would replace traditional channels like radio, or whether it would be used after an extreme event, such as a hurricane, to provide direct information to the public.
The lack of clarity leaves more questions than answers about the true scope of this "new" technology.
As part of the same exercise Meteoro 2025, the regime presented another supposed "technological advancement": a drone designed to combat fires.
The demonstration took place this Saturday during the military and civil defense exercise maneuvers, in which the Cuban government showcased the equipment as part of its disaster response strategy.
However, beyond the staging, there were also no technical details provided regarding its operation, range, autonomy, or actual effectiveness in open fire conditions, once again leaving in doubt whether it is a functional tool or merely a propaganda showcase.
Although during the Meteoro 2025 exercise the regime boasted about using drones to alert the population about natural phenomena such as heavy rains or fires, the reality is that less than a year ago the inhabitants of Baracoa faced the onslaught of Hurricane Oscar without receiving timely warnings or clear information from the authorities.
Esteban Romero, like many from Baracoa, was in serious danger due to not being aware of the cyclone's arrival, which later downgraded to a tropical storm, and although his family did not suffer any loss of life, he witnessed how the fury of the wind and rain devastated a large part of his livelihood and property.
His family reached out to CiberCuba to have his story expose the lies of the Cuban regime, which claimed to be prepared to face the cyclone and that, in addition, had been there for the people at all times.
The videos sent to the newsroom were taken six days after the cyclone passed, but due to difficulties in restoring electricity and the ongoing blackouts, they had to be released several days later.
Romero shared that he lived in the community of El Güirito, in the El Jamal Popular Council of the city of Baracoa, and was – at least before the hurricane – a prominent producer of coconuts and root vegetables.
“Nobody reported on this phenomenon. It was said to be a tropical storm, and these are things that happen here as if they were normal. However, when the phenomenon formed, and even until now, nobody has come to see what happened,” expressed Romero, reflecting the frustration of those who felt abandoned by the authorities after the hurricane passed.
Frequently asked questions about the use of drones in Cuba for alerts and emergencies
How is drone technology being used in Cuba for rain alerts?
The Civil Defense of Cuba has introduced a drone equipped with speakers to issue alerts about heavy rains as part of the Meteoro 2025 exercise. This drone flies over specific areas and broadcasts recorded messages to warn the population about adverse weather conditions. However, no details have been provided regarding its actual implementation or effectiveness in various contexts.
What is known about the fire-fighting drone presented by the Cuban government?
During the Meteoro 2025 exercise, the Cuban government showcased a drone designed to combat fires. This drone expels water through a hose system and is intended to complement firefighting efforts in hard-to-reach areas. However, no technical details regarding its operability or effectiveness in real fire situations have been disclosed.
What are the criticisms regarding the implementation of drones and other technologies in Cuba?
Despite the technological presentations, there is significant criticism of the Cuban government for the lack of clarity and details in the implementation of these tools. The criticism focuses on the perception that these presentations are more of a propaganda act than an effective solution to the real problems facing the Cuban population. Furthermore, there is skepticism about the actual impact of these technologies in a context of energy crisis and inadequate infrastructure.
What challenges does Cuba face in terms of alerts and disaster preparedness?
Cuba faces significant challenges in its ability to alert and prepare the population for natural disasters. The lack of effective alert systems and outdated infrastructure are some of the main issues that limit the response to extreme weather events. Recent examples, such as the lack of warning during Hurricane Oscar, have highlighted the need to improve communication and alert systems in the country.
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