Raging through Artemisa as a powerful Category 3 storm, Hurricane Rafael has left a trail of significant destruction, particularly impacting several hospitals in this western province. According to reports from the state-run newspaper El Artemiseño on Facebook, the Iván Portuondo General Teaching Hospital in San Antonio de los Baños was severely affected by the hurricane's fierce winds.
The hospital has suffered extensive roof damage as the strong winds tore off waterproof covers, which subsequently damaged several pipelines, including those in the premature infants' ward. This has led to a disruption in the water supply in that area. "In response to this situation, hospital workers are manually carrying water," the news outlet reported.
The facilities for Therapy and Prepartum were also hit hard, with both losing their air conditioning compressors, which were ripped off the roof by the winds. On a more positive note, the backup generator remains intact and has enough fuel to last for four days.
Government Response and Local Impact
Local broadcaster ARTV shared on Facebook that the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, visited the Pediatric Hospital in Guanajay on Thursday to assess "the damages and impacts on the center following Hurricane Rafael." The official inspection is part of an effort to ensure all hospitals across the country receive the necessary support to continue providing quality services.
Cuban activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia posted images on Facebook showing the destruction in the surgery room, highlighting the damage to the false ceiling, windows, and furniture. The extent of the devastation was also captured in aerial images released by the Cuban Ministry of the Armed Forces (FAR), which show the widespread damage across various municipalities in Artemisa due to the hurricane.
Widespread Destruction and Agricultural Losses
Photos shared by FAR on their Facebook page, "MINFAR Cuba," depict a grim scene marked by agricultural losses, the destruction of greenhouses, and damage to the roofs of homes and state institutions. Hurricane Rafael entered Cuba around 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday as a Category 3 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson scale and later exited through the Bay of Cabañas in Artemisa as a reduced Category 2 storm by approximately 7:00 p.m.