As Cyclone Rafael nears Cuba, countless families find themselves in a precarious situation, lacking the essential resources to face the impending storm. Their worries are compounded by fears that their homes may not withstand the cyclone's force, the frustration of empty pantries, and the helplessness from a shortage of fuel needed to cook during potential power outages.
Scarcity Hampers Storm Readiness
The economic hardships and scarcity of basic supplies have left many Cubans unable to implement even the minimum safety measures advised for hurricane preparedness. Rafael threatens to unleash fierce winds and torrential rains, posing significant dangers in a nation where infrastructure and living conditions are already precarious.
Essential Preparations Out of Reach
Stockpiling Non-Perishable Food: The lack of staples like bread, crackers, deli meats, and canned goods, coupled with the high prices of available items, make it impossible for families to build up reserves for the challenging days ahead.
Fuel Storage: The scarcity of liquefied gas and coal is a critical issue, severely limiting the ability to prepare the limited food supplies available. Additionally, vehicle owners face exorbitant prices for gasoline or diesel, essential for emergency transportation.
Collecting Potable Water: Access to clean water is limited in many homes, and water storage facilities are insufficient. The existing issues with the aqueduct system, which is already strained, could worsen with the cyclone's arrival.
Vulnerable Infrastructure
Reinforcing Homes: Most residences have not been maintained for decades, leading to severe structural degradation. These fragile buildings, lacking necessary renovations or repairs, leave numerous families at risk of losing their homes when the cyclone hits.
Evacuation Planning: Fuel shortages severely hinder timely evacuation to safe areas. With inadequate public transportation and limited personal resources, families often rely on government arrangements—which may be unreliable—or the goodwill of others to move their belongings to safety.
The greatest danger posed by this cyclone is flooding. The country's water and sewer systems are fraught with issues, and the accumulation of trash in the streets threatens to overwhelm the drainage systems, exacerbating the flooding problem.
Millions of Cubans live amidst garbage, a persistent issue that poses serious health risks due to potential contamination and disease spread from rain-swept waste. Despite official advisories to stay informed and heed Civil Defense instructions, the stark reality is that the lack of basic resources makes following these recommendations unfeasible for much of the population.
In this scenario, solidarity and mutual support among family and friends emerge as the vital survival strategies for many Cubans facing the imminent threat of Cyclone Rafael.