A group of ten specialists from the Provincial Housing Directorate in Cienfuegos came to Alquízar this Wednesday, with the aim of assessing and addressing the damage caused by Hurricane Rafael in this town of Artemisa.
This team, which took on similar responsibilities two years ago in the municipality of San Luis, Pinar del Río, will make house-to-house visits over a period of 15 days.
The mission is Elieser Batista Guerrero, head of the Department of Real Estate, Income and Statistics of the Cienfuegos institution. He is also accompanied by the mayor of the municipality of Abreus and three municipal directors of Housing, who contribute their experience and knowledge to address the situation on the ground.
Specialists are also tasked with classifying the effects, a process that only becomes apparent when looking at the local reality. “Statistics are important, but difficult decisions must be based on the preparation and knowledge of specialists once in the field,” said Batista Guerrero.
The team emphasizes that their approach is humanitarian: “We came to solve problems, not create more.” In spite of the challenges that this kind of meteorological phenomenon brings us, the members of this group are confident that their work will bring better results and better comfort.
In response to the emergency, the four Popular Councils of Alquízar have activated paperwork offices from the day after the hydrometeorological event. This action will facilitate the gathering of information and the formulation of specific strategies to address the more than 3,000 damages registered so far.
The residents of Cienfuegos will begin their work in the Protection Zone 04, the Popular Council of Pulido Guanímar. Similar brigades, from Matanzas and Villa Clara, work with the same objective in the municipalities of Mariel and Güira de Melena, respectively.
How does the community of Alquizar participate in the recovery process following Hurricane Rafael?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Elieser Batista Guerrero, Head of the Department of Real Estate, Income and Statistics, Provincial Housing Directorate, Cienfuegos
Editor: Good afternoon, Elieser! Thank you for joining us today. I understand that your team recently traveled to Alquizar following Hurricane Rafael’s impact. Can you tell us more about your mission there?
Elieser Batista Guerrero: Good afternoon! Yes, we’re here to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Rafael. Our team consists of ten specialists, and we are committed to making house-to-house visits over the next 15 days. Our goal is to evaluate the conditions of homes and ensure that those affected receive the necessary support.
Editor: That sounds like a significant undertaking. Can you elaborate on the specific assessments your team is conducting during these visits?
Elieser Batista Guerrero: Absolutely. During our visits, we inspect the structural integrity of homes, check for damages to essential services, and assess the living conditions of families. We’re also gathering data that will help us prioritize assistance and resource allocation in a timely manner.
Editor: It must be quite challenging to address the needs of a community impacted by a natural disaster. How are you organizing the efforts to ensure efficiency and thoroughness in your assessments?
Elieser Batista Guerrero: Organization is key. We’ve divided the town into sectors, and each team member is assigned specific areas. We also collaborate closely with local authorities to gather community feedback and ensure we meet the specific needs of residents. This coordinated approach is similar to what we did two years ago in San Luis, Pinar del Río.
Editor: Many communities are often left waiting for aid after disasters like hurricanes. What can the residents of Alquizar expect in terms of follow-up after your assessments are complete?
Elieser Batista Guerrero: After our evaluations, we will compile a report outlining the damage and the immediate needs of the community. This report will be used to advocate for resources and assistance both from the provincial government and national institutions. We are committed to ensuring that aid is distributed effectively and reaches those who need it most.
Editor: That’s reassuring to hear. In your experience, what are some of the most critical needs that arise after such disasters?
Elieser Batista Guerrero: Housing is, of course, a primary concern. Many families lose their homes or suffer significant damage. Additionally, access to clean water, food, medical services, and temporary shelter becomes vital. It’s also essential to provide psychological support as many individuals face trauma after such experiences.
Editor: With climate change leading to more frequent and severe weather events, how is your department preparing for the future?
Elieser Batista Guerrero: We’re actively working on improving our responses and disaster preparedness plans. This includes better training for our teams, investing in building resilient structures, and developing community awareness programs. It’s crucial to foster an environment where communities can rebuild and recover, not just after a disaster, but with long-term resilience in mind.
Editor: Thank you for sharing these valuable insights, Elieser. It’s clear that your team is committed to not just assessing damage but also ensuring that communities can rebuild stronger. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?
Elieser Batista Guerrero: I want to emphasize that recovery is a community effort. We encourage residents to stay engaged, report issues, and support one another during this challenging time. Together, we can rebuild and create a safer, more resilient Alquizar.
Editor: Thank you, Elieser. Your dedication to your work is commendable, and we look forward to hearing more about the progress in Alquizar in the coming weeks.