The Cuban Ministry of Transport has announced several disruptions and changes to transportation services due to the impending impact of Tropical Storm Rafael on the island's western region. In a statement released by Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the adjustments align with the Civil Defense's decision to declare a cyclone alert phase for the provinces from Matanzas to Pinar del Río, including the Special Municipality of Isla de la Juventud.
Rail Service Adjustments
For both national and local passenger trains, the measures are as follows:
1. The operation of Train 13 from Havana to Guantánamo, and Train 16 from Holguín to Havana will proceed as scheduled on Monday, November 4.
2. Train 11 from Havana to Santiago de Cuba, scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, has been canceled.
3. The departure of Train 18 from Manzanillo-Bayamo to Havana, also set for Tuesday, November 5, is postponed until weather and safety conditions improve.
4. Train 14 from Guantánamo to Havana, originally slated for Wednesday, November 6, will be delayed until favorable conditions return.
5. Train 15 from Havana to Holguín, planned for Wednesday, November 6, has been canceled.
6. Interprovincial train services in the western region, from Matanzas to Pinar del Rio, will be suspended starting at midnight on Monday, November 4. Local services will depend on the decisions made by the Defense Councils of each area. The resumption of these services will be announced to the public in due course.
7. This schedule remains flexible and subject to change, contingent on the storm's progression and potential damage to railway infrastructure.
Bus Service Modifications
For national buses:
1. All scheduled departures for Monday, November 4, will continue except for routes connecting Baracoa and Maisí.
2. The National Program, including VIAZUL services, will suspend all operations to and from Havana, as well as interprovincial routes linking territories from Sancti Spíritus to Artemisa, starting at midnight on Monday, November 4. Interprovincial departures from Sancti Spíritus to Guantánamo will continue as planned.
3. Depending on the storm's development, further decisions may be taken and communicated promptly to passengers.
4. Service restoration will be gradual, determined by weather conditions and road infrastructure status.
Passengers opting not to travel will receive a full refund, while those wishing to reschedule should stay in touch with Viajero company offices to reorganize their travel plans once services resume.
Air and Maritime Transport Updates
Regarding air travel:
1. Both domestic and international flights will operate as long as weather conditions allow. Any changes will be promptly communicated to passengers.
2. Air navigation services over Cuban airspace will continue without interruption.
Additionally, the note states that traffic between the ports of Batabanó and Nueva Gerona remains suspended until maritime conditions permit safe travel. Passengers with reserved tickets should keep in contact with Viajero Company Offices for trip rescheduling once navigation is restored.
Tropical Storm Rafael's Path
Rafael was upgraded to a tropical storm on Monday afternoon, posing a threat to Cuba's western region. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that as of 4:00 p.m., Rafael's center was located near latitude 15.5 North and longitude 76.7 West, moving north at 9 mph (15 km/h). A shift towards the northwest is expected to commence later in the evening and continue in the following days.