As Tropical Storm Rafael is anticipated to escalate into a hurricane within hours, Cuba's Civil Defense (CD) has issued a warning this Tuesday, urging the use of alternative communication methods to keep the public informed. The population is currently struggling with frequent power outages, and the aim is to avoid a repeat of the poor crisis management witnessed in Guantánamo following Cyclone Oscar.
The Civil Defense statement highlights the critical need for alternative communication channels, especially in areas that may suffer from power disruptions. This strategy ensures vital information reaches everyone, even in circumstances where traditional communication might fail due to electrical issues.
Moreover, the CD has emphasized the review of rainfall forecasts and reservoir capacities, alongside evaluating the measures taken by the National Defense Council (NDC) to protect citizens and secure economic resources. The directive underlines the importance of executing all planned actions for the Cyclonic Alert phase on Tuesday. By Wednesday, when the Cyclonic Alarm Phase is declared, the country will be experiencing the storm's full impact, necessitating complete immobility for safety.
This guidance intends to prevent the chaos seen in Baracoa, where inadequate preparation left many vulnerable to Hurricane Oscar, resulting in substantial material damage. The DC's State Major has placed the provinces of Matanzas, Mayabeque, Havana, Artemisa, Pinar del Río, and the special municipality Isla de la Juventud under alert due to the potential direct effects of Rafael.
On Tuesday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel claimed that the nation is "prepared and organized" to face this new threat. However, this assertion starkly contrasts with the harsh reality of recent governmental mismanagement during crises.