He hurricane Rafael made landfall as a powerful category 3 cyclone in Cubawhich unleashed new chaos on the island, which has not yet recovered from the passage of the deadly storm Oscar. With winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour, Rafael arrived in the province of Artemisa, located to the west of the island, in the middle of a general blackout.
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The Electrical Union state reported that the national electrical system was once again affected by strong winds, causing power outages throughout the country.
He United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued alerts for deadly storm surges, winds and heavy rains that threaten floods in western Cuba.
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In the town of Candelaria, near the entry point of the hurricane, winds shook the treetops as torrential rains lashed the area. “Strong winds caused by Rafael “They caused the disconnection of the national electrical system,” said the Electrical Union in X.
Despite efforts to contain the effects of the cyclone, the situation is critical. In the Habana, of two million inhabitants, businesses closed and the streets emptied before the imminent arrival of the hurricane.
Power outages prevented many citizens from accessing the news, as was the case with Liset Herrera, resident in Alquizar, who regretted not being able to find out about the progress of Rafael.
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Thousands of people were evacuated in the provinces of Sagebrush y Pinewood del Río, the most affected, and the Cuban government suspended air operations in the west of the country, including the airports of Havana and Varadero. The interruption of public transport was also a preventive measure in several cities.
The step of Rafael It comes just two weeks after the devastating hurricane Oscarwhich left eight dead and a series of problems related to fuel shortages and failures in thermoelectric plants.
The situation of the island It is worsening in the context of the worst economic crisis in three decades, marked by blackouts, inflation and scarcity of resources.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Meteorology Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a meteorology expert and researcher with decades of experience studying hurricanes and their impact on coastal regions. Dr. Gonzalez, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Maria Gonzalez (MG): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, especially to discuss such an important and timely topic.
TNE: As many of our readers are aware, Hurricane Rafael recently made landfall in Cuba as a powerful Category 3 cyclone. Can you give us an overview of what that means for the island, which is still recovering from Hurricane Oscar?
MG: Certainly. A Category 3 hurricane possesses winds of 178 to 208 kilometers per hour, which can cause extensive damage. Given that Cuba is still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Oscar, the arrival of Rafael is particularly devastating. The winds have already affected the electrical infrastructure, leading to widespread blackouts, and that exacerbates the challenges for recovery efforts.
TNE: We’ve received reports of widespread power outages, especially in the province of Artemisa, where the hurricane first touched down. What can cause these disruptions in the electrical grid during such storms?
MG: High winds and heavy rains can lead to physical damage to power lines, transformers, and substations. In Rafael’s case, the strong winds have already caused significant disconnections. Additionally, flooding can hinder repair efforts and impede maintenance crews from reaching the damaged areas—a cycle that prolongs the outages.
TNE: That sounds quite challenging. The U.S. National Hurricane Center issued alerts for storm surges, strong winds, and heavy rains. What kind of flood threats should residents be most concerned about?
MG: Residents should be very cautious about storm surges, which can drastically increase water levels along the coast. This is particularly dangerous when combined with heavy rainfall, as it can lead to freshwater flooding in low-lying areas. In western Cuba, these factors make it critical for people to adhere to emergency advisories and evacuate if necessary.
TNE: In terms of preparedness, what should local governments and communities focus on to mitigate the impacts of hurricane events?
MG: Preparedness is crucial. First and foremost, governments need to invest in resilient infrastructure. This includes strengthening power systems and drainage systems to handle heavy rainfall. Public education on evacuation routes and supplies could save lives. Moreover, post-storm recovery plans should be established for rapid response once the storm passes.
TNE: It seems that education and infrastructure play vital roles in managing these natural disasters. Given the rapid changes in climate patterns, are hurricanes becoming more intense?
MG: Unfortunately, yes. The latest research suggests that climate change is leading to warmer ocean temperatures and rising sea levels, which can fuel more powerful storms. We may see an increase in cyclone intensity and frequency, making it even more critical for affected regions like Cuba to adapt to these changes and enhance their disaster resilience.
TNE: Thank you for that insightful perspective, Dr. Gonzalez. As we watch Hurricane Rafael unfold, it’s clear how important it is for communities to be prepared, especially given the staggering impact of consecutive storms on nations like Cuba.
MG: Absolutely, it’s a pressing issue, and I’m hopeful that this storm will prompt greater discussions about long-term preparedness and resilience.
TNE: Thank you once again for your valuable insights. Stay safe, and we appreciate your expertise during these challenging times.
MG: Thank you. Stay safe, everyone.