Severe storms on Monday caused significant damage to electrical infrastructure, homes, and state institutions in central and eastern Cuba. The Center for Forecasts of the Institute of Meteorology (Insmet) reported on the social network X that storms affected the provinces of Matanzas, Villa Clara, Ciego de Ávila, Sancti Spíritus, Holguín, and Las Tunas in the last 24 hours. Additionally, heavy rainfall and hail were reported in the central region.
The communities of Iguará and Venegas in the municipality of Yaguajay, Sancti Spíritus, were among the hardest-hit areas, according to Mileydi Milián Barnés, the local party secretary, who provided information to the newspaper Escambray. Preliminary data indicated that the storm caused electrical network failures and roof collapses at the Mérida Cheese Factory, the Porcine Unit, Venegas livestock farms, and residents' homes.
The rainfall in the affected areas reached 11.2 millimeters by 6:00 pm on Monday, associated with a trough in the middle and upper atmosphere, along with hail and strong winds (86 km/h), explained Yusmani Mesa, a specialist in the forecasting group at the Provincial Meteorological Center. The newspaper Ahora also published several images on Facebook showing fallen trees in the city of Holguín, where strong wind gusts were recorded.
Insmet has forecasted more rain and thunderstorms for Tuesday, which are expected to be widespread in the interior regions and extend into the early hours of the night, accompanied by strong winds and waves. These weather systems test the regime's response capabilities, especially as the active hurricane season continues from June 1 to November 30, with an expected formation of around 20 tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic basin, 11 of which could reach hurricane status.
Impact of Severe Storms on Cuba
The following questions and answers provide more insight into the recent severe storms in Cuba and their impact on the country.
Which areas in Cuba were most affected by the severe storms?
The most affected areas include the communities of Iguará and Venegas in the municipality of Yaguajay, Sancti Spíritus, and the city of Holguín.
What kind of damage did the storms cause?
The storms caused damage to electrical infrastructure, roof collapses at various facilities including the Mérida Cheese Factory and Porcine Unit, and homes in the affected communities.
What weather conditions accompanied the storms?
The storms were accompanied by heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds reaching up to 86 km/h.
What is the forecast for the coming days?
Insmet has forecasted more rain and thunderstorms, particularly in interior regions, which will extend into the early hours of the night, accompanied by strong winds and waves.
How is the Cuban regime responding to the current hurricane season?
The regime's response capabilities are being tested, especially with an active hurricane season forecasted to see around 20 tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic basin, 11 of which could become hurricanes.