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The first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Granma, Yudelkis Ortiz, acknowledged this Saturday the lack of preparedness in several areas of the province in light of the imminent arrival of tropical storm Melissa, which is already causing heavy rains and flooding in the eastern part of the country.
“I am noticing during our inspection that there are places where we do not see a prevention mindset, preparedness, or the adoption of measures. We are reaching out to those responsible so they can take immediate action. The forecasts are not good, and we need to buy some time. The ability to foresee is the art of saving,” the official posted on Facebook.
Ortiz also shared images of a campaign vehicle from the Party that travels around to inform the population about the measures to be taken, amid the blackouts that prevent residents from getting information through traditional methods like radio and television.
The tropical system is already affecting Holguín, Granma, and Santiago de Cuba with persistent rainfall, gusty winds, and river flooding.
Residents of municipalities such as Bayamo and Manzanillo have reported power outages since early morning and difficulties in obtaining updated information.
The Electric Union (UNE) anticipates disruptions exceeding 1,800 MW this Saturday due to a generation deficit, caused by breakdowns in several thermal power plants and a shortage of fuel and lubricants.
The situation complicates the communication of alerts and local response in flood-prone communities.
In 2024, following the passage of Hurricane Oscar through Guantánamo, multiple testimonies reported that the population was unable to prepare due to the lack of electricity and information.
Localities such as San Antonio del Sur, Imías, and San Ignacio reported severe damage and flooding that left homes submerged.
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