Although the country was prepared and took tnecessary measures to prevent loss of human life and limit material damages, tropical storm Eta severely impacted agriculture, roads, housing and the water distribution-flood control system, reported Deputy Prime Minister and head of Economy and Planning Alejandro Gil Fernández, on the Cuban television program Mesa Redonda.
He recalled that, immediately following the storm, a meeting of the National Defense Council’s economic-social team took place, headed by President of the Republic Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, during which the area of greatest concern, the state of the country’s reservoirs were evaluated and, based on the experience of Cubans in facing flooding associated with such these weather events, measures to minimize the damage were adopted.
After the storm passed by, he pointed out, the country’s highest leadership visited the most affected provinces, confirming the extent of damage and the people’s participation in recovery efforts.
He noted that some 89,000 people were evacuated, around 73,000 in the homes of relatives and friends, once again demonstrating the solidarity of Cubans, and another 16,000 in evacuation centers.
During his report, he acknowledged the tense situation of the economy, hence the importance of working efficiently to recover in the shortest time possible.
Recovery, he stressed, does not happen overnight; but the country has the basic resources essential to the task of restoring key sectors, including agriculture and water distribution-flood control infrastructure, despite the limitations.
(Taken from Granma)