The unexpected warning from meteorologist José Rubiera regarding Hurricane Rafael, which is barreling towards Cuba and could hit the island as a Category 2 storm, has caught workers off guard. These laborers have been busy with renovations on Havana's iconic Malecón, specifically between B and C streets in Vedado, an area notorious for flooding during storms.
Carlos Espinosa Betancourt, the administrator of the Facebook group 'Maravilloso Malecón', has been documenting the progress of the repairs on the platform, hopeful that once completed, they will withstand the forces of nature. Enthusiasts of Havana's beloved Malecón anxiously watch as the clock ticks down, aware that the advancing cyclone might halt the construction prematurely. "It seems like there's no time to finish, and in just a few hours, the hurricane will be upon us," commented a user named Anylous Rojas.
Concrete Pouring Underway
Just an hour ago, with the sea already churning, members of 'Maravilloso Malecón' reported that workers began pouring concrete into the gap in the seawall. "Concrete is being poured now. Below the visible area was a drainage break. We hope the outcome is beneficial for the city and its most beautiful avenue," noted Espinosa Betancourt.
As forecasts predict the hurricane's arrival in Cuba, Tuesday is proving to be less than ideal for such repairs. "This should have been done much earlier, not on the eve of a cyclone," criticized Facebook user Beatriz Pérez.
Concerns Over Timely Completion
Other users express concern that the open hole, which must be filled with concrete before the rains, could exacerbate flooding in this low-lying area prone to inundation.
For Raúl Rojas Leiva, these repairs during hurricane season epitomize being reactive rather than proactive. "This is the best example of what it means to be last-minute. It shows how citizens' needs are always left until the situation is dire. When Havana is without power for two days and people start protesting, they'll announce that the gas payment is made, and distribution will resume in two more days. It's a never-ending story," he lamented.
Hurricane's Imminent Approach
Rubiera remains certain of Hurricane Rafael's path toward Cuba. On his YouTube channel, he explained, "The storm bands forming are quite consistent," and the storm is "rapidly gaining structure," which could be further enhanced as Rafael moves over the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.
According to his forecast, the hurricane is expected to traverse the island above Pinar del Río, with a likelihood of intensifying. As of 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday (Cuban time), Tropical Storm Rafael was located 130 km south-southwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and 370 km southeast of Grand Cayman.