Cuba warns of prolonged heavy rain causing serious flooding

On August 26, the General Staff of the Cuban Civil Defense (DC) warned of the risk of heavy rain in the western region of the country, and advised people to monitor and update information to avoid negative impacts.

Flooded scene after heavy rains in Camaguey, Cuba, June 9, 2023. (Source: AFP)

DC said a tropical depression is likely to form in the next few hours in the sea near the west of the island nation, causing heavy rain in some western and central localities, especially the provinces of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa and the island district of Isla de la Juventud.

This Cuban agency in charge of natural disaster response has instructed relevant authorities to strengthen hydrometeorological monitoring, define disaster risk reduction plans and apply appropriate measures on the basis of the Vulnerability and Risk Survey of each territory to protect the population and the economy .

In addition, people are advised to pay attention to information and strictly follow the instructions of local authorities to avoid loss of life.

Forecast models from the Cuban Meteorological Institute show that the low pressure area has been developing rapidly over the past 24 hours. It is expected to form a tropical depression over the waters near the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) and western Cuba. Cuban meteorologists predict heavy rains will last for several days from August 26.

The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from early June to late November every year, with the peak from August to October. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian, a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, swept across Cuba and made landfall on the coast of the US state of Florida with Category 4 winds, causing great loss of life and property.

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