Cuba Strengthens Recovery Actions After Hurricane and Earthquakes
Building debris on a street in Cuba, Nov. 11, 2024. X/ @Lettera43
November 11, 2024 Hour: 1:21 pm
Authorities are prioritizing attention to housing, electrical infrastructure, and landslides.
On Sunday, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel oversaw recovery efforts following the damage caused by Hurricane Rafael and assessed the impact of seismic activity in the eastern region of the country.
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So far, the National Defense Council has maintained constant communication with Party leaders in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Granma, which were severely affected by the tremors.
Diaz-Canel stated that authorities should prioritize attention to housing, electrical infrastructure, and landslides caused by the earthquakes. He also stressed the need to protect residents of high-rise buildings and mobilize health experts, communicators, and psychologists to the most affected areas.
At the National Defense Council meeting, which was also attended by members of the Communist Party’s Political Bureau, authorities discussed measures to ensure the supply of water and food and to maintain smooth communication with provincial defense councils.
Gladys Martinez, president of the Artemisa Defense Council, informed on the situation in her province, where 245 people have been sheltered in refuges, and over 5,700 customers now have electrical service. However, only 17 percent of users have access to water.
She also noted that the restoration of healthcare facilities, food distribution, and the recovery of irrigation equipment are being prioritized, with an expected arrival of 4,000 square meters of zinc roofing sheets and 60 tons of cement.
Yuniasky Crespo, president of the Mayabeque Defense Council, stated that 77 percent of the electrical system has been restored in her province, though she cautioned about the slow progress in restoring communications and potable water service.
Currently, in Havana, 90 people remain in protective institutions, and nearly 90 percent of the electrical circuits are operational.
teleSUR/ JF Source: teleSUR – Granma
