Miguel Díaz-Canel, Cuba's leader, urged residents of Havana this Friday to familiarize themselves with the locations and methods for seeking refuge in basements, semi-basements, and tunnels. His remarks came during a visit to the Casa Blanca Zone Defense Council in the Regla municipality.
"Preparing the population for defense remains a top priority," stated the president of the National Defense Council during his interaction with members of the territorial defense structure, as reported by the Cuban Presidency's digital portal.
Johannes Milián Morales, head of the Casa Blanca Zone Defense Council, mentioned that the small territory of only 2.9 square kilometers houses over 10,000 people.
Throughout the day, plans for public alert and protection were presented, alongside details of production and defense brigades.
Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of residents knowing "where they need to go for protection, how to get there, and how to evacuate the elderly, children, and others needing protection," according to a report from the official Canal Caribe television.
Political and Economic Struggles Intertwined
The state leader highlighted that provincial, municipal, and zone defense councils "have now become the core for conducting key analyses and making crucial decisions, both politically and ideologically, as well as economically and socially."
This approach blends military readiness with the ongoing crisis management of power outages, water shortages, and food scarcity afflicting the Cuban populace.
Sanctions and Defense Day Activities
During the event, Díaz-Canel criticized recent U.S. sanctions against Cuba, labeling them as a "cruel energy blockade." He linked these sanctions to statements from the Trump administration, which he claimed demonstrate a policy of "maximum pressure" on the Island.
The leader was joined by Esteban Lazo Hernández, president of the National Assembly, Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee, and Army Corps Generals Álvaro López Miera, Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), and Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, head of the Ministry of the Interior (Minint).
Also present were Division General José Amado Ricardo Guerra, Secretary of the Council of Ministers, and General Ernest Feijóo Eiró, chief of the Western Army.
Last week, Díaz-Canel led a similar event in Marianao as part of the Year of Defense Preparation declared by the regime in January.
Guidelines for Military Aggression Preparedness
The call to take shelter in basements and tunnels aligns with the instructions from the Family Guide for Protection Against Military Aggression, created by the National Civil Defense Staff in April. This guide urges Cuban families to prepare emergency backpacks containing candles, water, three days' worth of food, and medications, under the motto Protect, Resist, Survive, and Overcome.
Understanding Cuba's Defense and Economic Challenges
Why is Díaz-Canel urging residents to seek shelter in basements and tunnels?
Díaz-Canel is emphasizing the importance of defense preparedness amidst growing political and economic challenges, urging citizens to be ready for potential military aggressions by knowing how to seek refuge effectively.
What measures are being taken in Cuba to manage ongoing crises?
Cuban authorities are merging military preparedness with crisis management strategies to handle everyday issues such as power outages, water shortages, and food scarcity, while also addressing external sanctions.