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The University of Guantánamo announced the suspension of all academic activities starting this Friday, October 24, in anticipation of the likely deterioration of weather conditions due to the approach and development of tropical storm Melissa.
An official statement published this Thursday on the institution's social media indicated that the measure is preventative in nature and aims to prioritize the safety of students, faculty, and staff.
The higher education institution announced that there will be a “constant communication” and urged students and staff to stay attentive to the official channels (social media and website) for updates and notifications regarding the date when classes will resume. It also emphasized the need to safeguard material resources.
"Take care, stay in safe places, and follow the instructions of the Civil Defense," urged the official communication.
Guantánamo government implements protective measures
The authorities in Guantánamo have implemented measures “to protect the population and the resources and facilities of the State” in response to the proximity and potential danger posed by the tropical system to the eastern region of Cuba, reported today by the station Radio Guantánamo.
The local government agreed to prepare state centers as shelters for the “safe evacuation of families residing in low-lying areas, prone to flooding or in vulnerable buildings.”
According to the radio station, the leaders discussed “the vitality and functioning of essential services such as the electrical system, water supply, communications, and public health, in order to ensure a prompt and sustained response during and after the weather event,” but the report did not specify what measures were taken in each case.
The authorities in Guantánamo urged a constant watch on the trajectory and intensity of the weather system and to "ensure the timely and accurate dissemination of information and alerts to the entire population."
The Cuban Institute of Meteorology (Insmet) issued this Thursday the Tropical Cyclone Warning No. 5, in which it cautioned about the possible intensification of the tropical storm, which is located over warm Caribbean waters, in a very active area conducive to its development.
Melissa moves slowly and strengthens over the Caribbean Sea
The tropical storm Melissa continues to strengthen over the central Caribbean Sea and could become a major hurricane by the end of the weekend, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States warned this Thursday in its Advisory Number 9, issued at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time).
The report warned of the elevated risk of damaging winds, torrential rains, and flash floods that could threaten human life and cause numerous landslides in the region, particularly in Jamaica, where authorities indicated that the most severe effects could begin between this Friday and Saturday.
The NHC urged residents in Cuba and Haiti to stay alert for upcoming advisories from the agency, as Melissa's slow movement could extend the impact of the system on the central Caribbean.
The swells generated by the storm will begin to be felt in eastern Cuba in the coming days, causing rough waves, rip currents, and possible coastal flooding in low-lying areas.
Authorities have recommended that the population and crews of small vessels stay informed and take extra precautions along the southeastern coast of Cuba.
The Centro de Pronósticos del Insmet of Cuba published its Tropical Cyclone Warning No. 3 on Wednesday, alerting that Melissa poses a “potential danger” to the island, making it essential to closely monitor its development.
As a result, the Civil Defense of Cuba issued a early warning notice regarding the tropical storm and underscored the need for the eastern and central provinces to closely monitor the trajectory and development of the system.
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