This Thursday, Cuba initiated the recovery phase in the provinces of Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Havana, and the Special Municipality of the Isle of Youth following Hurricane Rafael, which exited the island on Wednesday evening. The National Civil Defense Staff also declared that as of 10:00 a.m., the provinces of Matanzas, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus, and Ciego de Ávila would return to "normalcy."
According to the second official report from the Civil Defense, Hurricane Rafael, which escalated to a Category 3 as it battered western Cuba on Wednesday, has now moved away from the national territory and no longer poses a threat to the island. Rescue and recovery operations commenced immediately in the hurricane-stricken provinces.
Damage and Immediate Response
Rafael made landfall with winds reaching up to 115 mph, causing widespread blackouts throughout the country, including significant power outages in Havana and other western regions. The official report indicates that more than 400 technicians and 150 vehicles have been dispatched to restore electricity during this recovery phase.
Impact on Infrastructure and Energy
Severe flooding was reported in several provinces, including Havana, although no fatalities have been reported so far, according to authorities. Rainfall during the hurricane ranged from 4 to 8 inches, contributing to the floods. In Havana, wind gusts reached 93 mph.
Efforts are currently underway in various parts of western Cuba to clear debris and fallen trees caused by the hurricane's strong winds. Miguel Díaz-Canel, the country's leader, announced on social media that he would visit the affected areas to personally oversee recovery efforts.
Ongoing Energy Crisis
The hurricane has exacerbated Cuba's ongoing energy crisis, already strained by fuel shortages and the lack of maintenance in the electrical grid, leading to chronic blackouts over recent months. This disaster adds to the damage previously inflicted by Tropical Storm Oscar, which hit eastern provinces two weeks ago, prompting further evacuations and worsening the energy situation throughout the country.
Hurricane Rafael is noted as one of the most intense storms of the season, marking the sixth time in 60 years that a Category 3 hurricane has struck Cuba in November.