Related videos:
Health authorities in Granma made an urgent appeal to the public to donate blood in light of the approaching Hurricane Melissa, which is threatening to hit eastern Cuba in the coming hours.
The Provincial Health Sector of Granma reported on its Facebook page that this Sunday, the Provincial Blood Bank of Bayamo is fully prepared to receive voluntary donations, after numerous citizens expressed their willingness to contribute due to the approaching weather situation.
During a meeting of the Provincial Defense Council, Dr. Yelenis Elías Montes, the provincial director of Health, explained that the medical and nursing staff are prepared to assist donors, ensuring the preservation and availability of the necessary plasma in case of emergencies.
The was announced this Saturday by health authorities, who reminded of the requirements for donating: to be between 18 and 65 years old, to be in good health, to weigh at least 50 kilograms, to maintain stable blood pressure, and not to have had infectious diseases, surgeries, or recent tattoos.
The call comes at a time of high alert for the province, as Hurricane Melissa, which has already reached category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, continues its advance toward the eastern part of the country.
The weather phenomenon could bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding, prompting the health system to strengthen prevention and response measures for potential emergencies.
Journalist Maricela Presa reported that the Provincial Defense Council continues to assess actions to ensure the safety of the population and the operation of basic services, including medical and hospital care.
Authorities reiterated the call for solidarity and encouraged voluntary participation in blood donation, emphasizing that each contribution "can save lives" in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
The Instituto de Meteorología de Cuba warned this Sunday about the imminent strong sea swells in the southern waters of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, caused by the proximity of the powerful hurricane Melissa, which reached category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
According to the latest tropical cyclone advisory No. 12 issued by the Forecast Center, the weather phenomenon has undergone a rapid intensification process in recent hours, with sustained winds of 220 kilometers per hour and a central pressure of 944 hectoPascals.
The Forecast Center of the Institute of Meteorology reported that close monitoring of the hurricane's evolution and its future path remains in effect, and that the next official report will be issued at six PM this Sunday.
Local authorities have urged the population to stay informed and follow the guidelines from Civil Defense, especially in the coastal municipalities that are most vulnerable to sea encroachments.
Filed under: