Cuban authorities are ramping up preparation efforts in response to the approach of tropical storm Melissa, which could develop into a hurricane over the weekend.
In several provinces in the eastern part of the country, rain has been reported, and Civil Defense mechanisms have been activated, while the population faces power outages, food shortages, and communication difficulties.
Santiago de Cuba: tours and prevention in coastal communities
In Santiago de Cuba, the political and governmental authorities —led by Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Communist Party, and Manuel Falcón Hernández, the governor— visited coastal communities and settlements near the rivers to assess vulnerabilities and potential evacuation measures.
The reservoirs are at 76.9% of their capacity, and pruning of trees and cleaning of drainage systems are being carried out in low-lying areas of the provincial capital to reduce risks to electrical and telecommunications infrastructure.
Despite these actions, prolonged blackouts hinder the monitoring of weather alerts and communication among communities. In some municipalities, the lack of electricity exceeds ten hours a day, leaving families without access to updated information on the progress of the phenomenon.
Granma: rushed harvests and agricultural vulnerabilities
The Ministry of Agriculture in the province of Granma has announced that the harvest of agricultural products in low-lying areas at risk of flooding is being advanced to prevent losses and ensure supply to markets and social consumption centers. The collection of coffee is also being prioritized, as its ripening has been accelerated by recent rains.
However, local producers acknowledge that the lack of fuel, transportation, and storage hinders efficient harvesting. The structural crisis of Cuban agriculture raises doubts once again about the effectiveness of the emergency measures announced by state media.
Las Tunas: healthcare system on alert with limited resources
In Las Tunas, representatives from Public Health reported that they have strengthened their material and human resources in anticipation of Melissa. Among the measures adopted are the inspection of venues designated as evacuation centers and the verification of the supply of drinking water and essential medications.
However, the lack of medical supplies, the deterioration of ambulances, and the shortage of fuel hinder a rapid response to potential emergencies.
A country in crisis facing a new storm
The arrival of the storm Melissa finds Cuba in a situation of deep economic and social crisis. Inflation, the devaluation of the peso, and widespread food shortages exacerbate the vulnerability of millions of families, particularly in the eastern part of the country.
Official media insist on portraying a scenario of control and organization, but daily reality reveals a different picture: blackouts that hinder communication, empty markets, and a lack of informative transparency.
In many areas, citizens learn about the progress of the storm through messages from outside or through rumors, due to the lack of signal and electricity.
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