Luis Enrique Ramos, a prominent historian specializing in Meteorology in Cuba, recently took to social media to reveal a map illustrating the natural disasters that battered the island in 2024. This year proved exceptionally challenging, compounded by an economic crisis, rampant inflation, widespread epidemics, and massive power outages, all exacerbating the hardships faced by the population.
In his post, Ramos emphasized that "no region was spared," highlighting how extreme weather events imprinted themselves across the entire nation. "2024 will be unforgettable for numerous reasons; when reflecting on the events within the country, it's essential to acknowledge the natural phenomena that left a significant mark in terms of human and material damage," Ramos stated.
He elaborated on how meteorological systems took center stage throughout the year, as their impacts intertwined with the social and economic factors defining daily life in Cuba. Ramos pointed out that no part of the island escaped the wrath of nature: severe storms, hurricanes, and earthquakes exceeding 6.0 magnitude in the southeastern region revealed the country's vulnerability to such extreme events.
"Whether due to wind, rain, or the sea, all regions suffered some form of impact," Ramos asserted. Unable to detail each event individually, he chose to depict the most affected areas on the map, highlighting the most significant disasters.
The publication not only showcases the extent of these natural events but also their direct correlation with the challenges Cuba faces regarding resources and emergency response capabilities. The map specifies when hurricanes Oscar and Rafael made landfall, with Oscar hitting the province of Guantánamo and Rafael striking Artemisa before assaulting the western region.
Additionally, it marks the dates and locations of earthquakes measuring 6.3 and 6.1 magnitudes, occurring southeast of Pilón, in Granma, and near Chivirico, in Santiago de Cuba.
Understanding Cuba's Vulnerability to Natural Disasters
What made 2024 a particularly challenging year for Cuba?
2024 was marked by a combination of severe natural disasters, an economic crisis, rampant inflation, epidemics, and widespread power outages, all of which intensified the struggles of the Cuban population.
Which regions in Cuba were most affected by natural disasters in 2024?
All regions of Cuba experienced some impact, but the map highlighted significant events such as hurricanes and earthquakes, particularly affecting provinces like Guantánamo and Artemisa, as well as areas in the southeastern part of the island.