The President insisted that speed and much sensibility for those affected must define recovery efforts, and that repairs must leave facilities better than before they were damaged.

Division General Ramón Pardo Guerra, head of the Civil Defense General Staff provided an updated report, indicating that 1,286 dwellings were damaged, 1,238 of which have been visited. Total collapses number 123, and partial collapses 625.

(Granma)

“Reinforcing attention to the population at times like these is vital,” the President insisted. Work was undertaken promptly, beginning immediately after the disaster, and it is imperative to explain to the people what is being done, he stated.

From this very moment, we must begin to gather all the experiences we have gained from this weather phenomenon, to incorporate them in plans for disaster prevention and risk reduction, he indicated.

Division General Ramón Pardo Guerra, head of the National Civil Defense General Staff, reported that, according to an aerial inspection conducted the morning of January 28, “The tornado developed close to the Casino Deportivo and weakened east of Alamar.

“Estimates indicate that it traveled a distance of 11.5 kilometers, at a speed of 42.6 kilometers an hour, over 16 minutes. It began with an impact diameter of 500 meters, later widening to 1,000 meters at the end of its course,” he explained.

At this point, he said, significant damages have been reported, such as total and partial building collapses, fallen trees and utility poles; broken doors and windows, as well as automobiles and containers dragged and turned over by the strong winds. Expeditious work began early on the clearing and collection of rubble across the city, he emphasized

The number of deaths caused by the extreme weather ascended to four and a total of 195 injuries had been reported, with these individuals receiving attention in several hospitals, according to Public Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda. Material damage is concentrated in the municipalities of Diez de Octubre, Regla, Guanabacoa, and San Miguel, he said, in 11 health care facilities.

The most difficult situation exists at the Hijas de Galicia Maternal Hospital, from which 196 patients were evacuated, 18 of whom were released and are now at home.

Regarding housing, Minister of Construction René Mesa Villafaña confirmed that the greatest amount of damage was to roof tops, which will need to be surveyed to begin deliveries of repair materials.

Luis Antonio Torres Iríbar, Party first secretary in Havana, reported that initial surveys indicate that the number of dwellings affected has reached 1,238, of which 123 are total collapses and 625 partial, along with 224 that have lost their roofs entirely, and 124 to a lesser degree.

Given this information, President Díaz-Canel indicated that, as soon as losses are specified, distribution of the necessary resources to the population is to begin – via the different established means – so that these problems can be alleviated as soon as possible.

In terms of reestablishing electrical service, Minister of Energy and Mines Raúl García Barreiro reported that the issue should be resolved by January 31. Damage is concentrated in overhead lines, including both transmission and distribution, while only two substations remain out of service, those in Berroa and Guanabacoa, he said.

Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez, president of the National Water Resources Institute, reported that damage to the system has been repaired. Affected neighborhoods are being served via tank trucks and large water storage tanks have been placed at a variety of points, accessible to the population.

More than 13,000 telephone lines have been reported out of operation at this time, reported Jorge Luis Perdomo Di-Lella, minister of Communications, while 12 brigades of 80 linemen, with specialized vehicles, are already working to reestablish service. Work is underway, as well, on the mobile phone network and WiFi hotspots, as well as outdoor equipment, where the principal damages are concentrated.

The most significant agricultural impact was to tobacco, in the Pinar del Río municipalities of San Juan and San Luis, sector Minister Gustavo Rodríguez Rollero reported. Damage to fields and greenhouses in areas that experienced heavy rain are yet to be accurately determined, he said.
Iris Quiñones Rojas, minister of Food Industry, stated that during the dawn hours of the 28th, the preparation of bread was resumed, to ensure the basic regulated supply, despite the fact that 36 bakeries remain without electricity.

Some 48 means of automotive transport are estimated to have suffered some type of damage, said the sector Minister, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila. At the time of the meeting, he reported, the central rail line had been re-opened, and the Regla ferry was operating by early that morning, as an important commuter service for the municipality.Minister of Economy and Planning Alejandro Gil Fernández reported that the main resources needed to begin recovery work are available.

Schools were projected to reopen January 29 at all of the city’s educational institutions, with alternate sites being prepared in some cases, to avoid affecting the academic year, said Minister of Education Ena Elsa Velázquez Cobiella.

It was reported that as recovery work advances, the communications media will continue promptly providing the people with all details.

(Granma)

The President insisted that speed and much sensibility for those affected must define recovery efforts, and that repairs must leave facilities better than before they were damaged.

Division General Ramón Pardo Guerra, head of the Civil Defense General Staff provided an updated report, indicating that 1,286 dwellings were damaged, 1,238 of which have been visited. Total collapses number 123, and partial collapses 625.

The tornado developed as part of a line of locally severe storms moving across the western portion of the country on Sunday, ahead of a cold front.

Díaz-Canel visited the affected municipalities and during the day conducted two meetings of the Council of Ministers to evaluate the situation and adopt measures to advance the recovery, in the wake of damage caused by heavy rain and the tornado.

Inés María Chapman, a vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, reported on repairs to the Southern Basin aqueduct, damaged by the tornado, the night of January 27, and added via Twitter, “We are here along with workers from Havana Water and the president of the INRH. A night of intense battle, to reestablish service.” Chapman and Antonio Rodríguez, president of the National Institute of Water Resources, toured the severely impacted municipality of Regla.

In the early hours of January 29, Roberto Morales Ojeda, a vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, toured the Diez de Octubre Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital, severely damaged by the tornado. Via Twitter, he highlighted the efforts of workers and management to protect the lives of children and mothers. For his part, the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, expressed condolences to the families of those affected, and said that workers in the sector would work together to quickly rehabilitate damaged facilities.

The National Assembly of People’s Power also used its official Twitter account to convey condolences to families and friends of victims of the extreme weather events, writing, “All of the Cuban people’s support and solidarity for you. Now we must work together to recover from the damage, that is considerable.”

The Minister of Economy and Planning, Alejandro Gil Fernández, asserted on social media, “We are working for a rapid recovery of our capital. We will move forward, as always.”

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla joined those sending messages of encouragement to Havana’s people and government, calling for joint efforts to repair the damage as quickly as possible.

Likewise, Jorge Luis Perdomo, minister of Communications, stated, “Communications workers are already working on reestablishing services in affected areas, where exterior facilities suffered considerable damage. Routers and posts must be raised. Brigades are being reinforced with all the staff and resources available. Venceremos.”

It was also reported that Radio Cuba workers were repairing the transmission tower in the municipality of Regla, and that as a temporary measure, Radio Rebelde and Coco were being broadcast from other facilities.

Meisi Bolaños Weiss, minister of Finances and Prices reported that workers at the ministry and within its system, including the National Tax Office and insurance providers, are ready to support the recovery in Havana.

Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Mal­mierca took to social media, as well, to convey a message to the people, writing, “Just as Fidel and Raúl taught us, President Díaz-Canel is in the trenches, along with the Cuban people. Condolences and conviction that no one will be left unprotected.”

This importance of operative, disciplined, and organized action to overcome the tornado damage in several capital city municipalities, during this stage of the recovery, was emphasized in a meeting of the Provincial Defense Council, activated immediately following the storms, and headed by its president, Luis Antonio Torres Irí­bar, who stated that the people must feel well supported.

After a preliminary report on damages, and the coordination of first responders’ efforts, Torres referred to directives issued by President Díaz-Canel, who called for rapid, well-organized work.

He said that providing the population with accurate, objective information; assuring food to those impacted; and analyzing alternatives to ensure fuel supplies, were among the President’s directives.

Torres recalled that Fidel taught us that no citizen can be left abandoned to fate, and recognized the efficient response of public health workers, not only in assisting victims, but in evacuating patients from the Hijas de Galicia Hospital in conjunction with firefighters.

OTHER WINDS OVER CUBA

After the tornado in Havana, embattled Venezuela, extended a friendly hand, that of a heroic people in the voice of its legitimate president, Nicolás Maduro, who tweeted, “People of Cuba and our brother President @Diaz­CanelB, you can count on all the solidarity and support of Venezuela at this difficult moment. I express my condolences to families of victims who have been affected by the tornado and heavy rains.”

A similar message arrived from Bolivia, where precisely on Sunday, underway were primary elections for members of several parties, another step forward for democracy, reported President Evo Morales, who likewise tweeted, “All of our solidarity with the sister people of Cuba, who suffered a strong tornado that left at least three persons dead and hundreds injured. We convey our condolences to the families of victims, and offer President @DiazCanelB our support in any way needed.”

The President of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, and Vice President Rosario Murillo, also sent Cuba “all our affection on this day of hardship and loss,” and referred to the words of Cuba’s ambassador in Nicaragua, Juan Carlos Hernández, who stated, “Our people will know how to overcome this situation”, Prensa Latina reported.From El Salvador, where the FMLN flooded the capital city’s streets to close their campaign prior to February 3 elections, President Salvador Sánchez Cerén, stated, “El Salvador send its best wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured, and expresses its solidarity to the many families affected by this natural phenomenon,” a Foreign Ministry communiqué reported.

Panama’s President Juan Varela, likewise affirmed on Twitter: “Our solidarity with

President @DiazCanelB, the people and government of Cuba, where a powerful tornado struck, leaving loss of life, injuries, and material damage in Havana.”

(Granma)

Since then, however, significant progress has been made in recovery efforts, primarily within the tourist sector.

Key to this process has been Cuba’s national insurance industry, with over 50 years experience and represented by Seguros Internacionales de Cuba, S.A (Esicuba) and Seguros Nacionales (Esen).

With major clients across the sector, Esicuba was responsible for supporting recovery efforts on this occasion, according to José Carlos Meijides Alfonso, director general of the entity in an interview with Prensa Latina.

He added that in the 15 days following Irma, Esicuba issued pay outs of 33 million CUC to tourist entities in order to help recovery efforts and ensure that facilities were promptly reopened.

“This is Esicuba’s biggest loss in its 55-year history. It came out of the entity’s over 290 million CUC business budget. However, it was a resource the company had available for a moment such as this. All tourist facilities had up-to-date policies, which meant we were able to make important payments right away,” noted Eliana Domínguez Oropesa, director of Development and Marketing, speaking with Granma International.

Previous experience in post-disaster recovery meant that Esicuba was able to respond rapidly and effectively. According to Eliana Domínguez, staff, together with inspectors and auditors from the International Inspection Agency, Claims and other related Services enterprises (Intermar S.A), and Customs Services Agency (Adesa S.A), visited the affected site to assess the level of damage and advise clients on how to proceed.

Even though Esicuba has reimbursed many of its clients following Irma, there remains much to be done.

“It’s an ongoing process. To date, not all establishments have received payments because these are large sums of money we are talking about. However, we have issued payments to clients in accordance with demand and to support the entire recovery process,” stated Domínguez.

Seguros Internacionales de Cuba S.A had made payments to the majority of its clients by the end of 2017, a process which continues through 2018.

REINSURING INSURANCE

Providing insurance to any business operating in Cuba means being able to guarantee large sums of money. We are talking about millions of pesos, too much for even Esicuba to take on, which is why it also takes out insurance.

“Reinsurance is nothing more than insurer’s insurance. In this way the risk is shared. It is a global practice undertaken by all insurance companies. These are relationships between the reinsurer and insurance companies, a joint activity between all those involved in the business so that the risk is shared and we are not left without support in the face of an eventuality.

“Insurance is a global business. Esicuba currently deals with reinsurers based in London and continental Europe. With regard to insurance in Cuba, the only area where care must be taken is regarding the economic, commercial, and financial blockade of Cuba. There can be strictly no U.S. capital involved. This generally doesn’t occur, because everyone is aware of the implications. All the same, Cuba is very careful in this regard,” explained Eliana Domínguez Oropesa, Esicuba director of Development and Marketing.

INSURANCE IN CUBA

Insurance doesn’t depend of the kind of activity being undertaken but on risk factors and the probability of loss. At an enterprise level, ensuring the continuity of a project, its functioning, autonomy, and efficiency depends in large part on insurance, by ensuring that the cost of repairing, recuperating, or solving a specific problem does not come out of the client’s growth capital.

“Insurance provides you with this additional capital. You purchase a policy and are protected against loss, so you don’t have to use your money intended for productive activity. Insurance allows for continuity and swift recovery and an extra injection of capital for this activity,” stated Eliana Domínguez.

In Cuba, insurance works in the same way as it does anywhere else in the world, the only difference being that Esicuba understands, recognizes, and is prepared for the Cuban economy.

Insurance entities on the island work to international standards and deal with insurance and reinsurance companies worldwide.

“The insurance market in Cuba, and the way it was organized, underwent a radical change after the triumph of the Revolution. Economic transformations and the development of social programs were met with strong opposition from the insurance sector. A large number of owners and executives of the over 170 insurance companies that existed on the island, left the country. Around 50 were nationalized, others closed down or remained inactive, and many pulled out of the Cuban market,” explained José Carlos Meijides Alfonso, director general of Esicuba.

Given this reality, added Meijides, the idea around insurance was to protect the interests of both insurers and the country. Thus Esicuba became the first socialist state enterprise dedicated to providing foreign trade insurance, a member of international organizations, and a provider of important claims and reinsurance policies.

During its formative years, the entity offered coverage for state goods and capital linked to the country’s international economic activity; civil aviation; foreign trade; mercantile and fishing fleets; and Cuban assets abroad. Esicuba worked to raise and restore Cuba’s standing within the international reinsurance market and became a national reinsurance provider in order to satisfy domestic demand.

STRATEGIC SECTORS

Socio-economic transformations in the country have seen Esicuba change over the years. Today, it offers over 40 products supporting the country’s economic development and key sectors.

“We have supported the development of Cuban civil aviation, the growth of maritime fleets, the establishment of new airlines and the expansion of airports. Esicuba has participated in all this development including catering services which it provides to all airlines which fly to the country,” stated Eliana Domínguez, director of Development and Marketing.

The entity has also played a key role in Cuba’s foreign trade activities, providing policies to some of the country’s largest importers and exporters.

Esicuba continues to work alongside the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment (Mincex) to raise the island’s profile within the international market and ensure that all Cuban imports and exports are covered by a national insurer.

“Insurance began to be offered in the tourist sector in the 1990s with coverage for hotels as well as tourists themselves, more commonly known as Traveler Assistance Insurance. Medical expense policies also started to appear for all individuals already living or moving to country,” added Eliana Domínguez.

More foreign companies began to purchase Cuban insurance and domestic demand rose across various sectors, such as industry and telecommunications. Insurance linked to onshore oil drilling emerged but on a smaller scale and was primarily associated with well management. However, in 2000 the insurance market for oil exploration began to expand, with the last big project in 2012 when deep-water offshore drilling began.

“Globally, all businesses, all companies are accustomed to having insurance. No one would dare make an investment if it didn’t have financial protection, which is why foreigners that began to come to the country sought out this service,” commented the director for Development and Marketing.

Esicuba has played a key role in Cuba’s enterprise sector, acting as a guarantor for the country’s economic activity and supporting national projects seeking foreign investment. The entity currently offers a range of policies including coverage for all business activities on the island, something that has also had a positive impact on the economy.

The most recent edition of Cuba’s Portfolio of Foreign Investment Opportunities, presented during the 2017-2018 International Trade Fair in Havana, featured two projects linked to the insurance sector. One for Credit Insurance and Protection, and another related to Esen’s Life Insurance policy. The aim of the former, according to the Esicuba director general, is to create a joint venture providing credit insurance and involving Seguros Internacionales de Cuba.

“This kind of insurance is related to a company’s commercial and credit activity. It works when a problem arises between two parties, usually banks, or bilateral trade between different entities.

“Then there is bid bond insurance. This modality is linked to contract bids where the contractor is covered under certain terms. This is very important above all when undertaking foreign investments, because it provides a great deal of transparency to third parties,” explained Eliana Domínguez.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

“The creation of independent and efficient entities is a key priority within Cuba’s new economic model, a task for which insurance is vital. It is a tool in the hands of business people which provides protection and security for their activities. A prime example of how entities can recover, be compensated and have access to capital is when losses occur, which is why insurance exists.

“When large-sale losses occur, like with Irma, Esicuba has shown how insurance benefits the Cuban economy. Financial recovery will take some time because it had a significant impact on the entity and the country, but we continue to work and have not stopped receiving policy requests, and are still offering investment projects in the Business Portfolio,” added Domínguez.

Regarding strategic sectors, the director of Development and Marketing stated that the entity is currently undertaking various actions to protect new investment projects and support developing sectors, most notably health, bio-pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.

Meanwhile staff at Esicuba have the necessary training and knowledge to carry out their functions in accordance with the country’s priorities.

For his part, José Carlos Meijides Alfonso, Esicuba director general, noted that the entity’s main challenge is raising awareness among the population and entities in Cuba of the importance of insurance as tool for protection.

“It is vital to create spaces within the national context to promote a culture of insurance in the country. This is our main challenge for the coming years; expand the need for insurance in Cuba in general and the business sector specifically. In order to do so we are planning to increase communication and dissemination efforts within the market and regarding our insurance services,” added the Director General.

In this sense, Eliana Domínguez noted that work is underway focused on the island’s private sector, which includes non-agricultural cooperatives – for which specific products have been developed.

Regarding the expansion of the enterprise, Meijides added that Esicuba is working on maximizing the use of available funds, and developing market mechanisms in line with Cuba’s priorities and economic development.

The island’s insurance industry is playing a key role in the process of updating the country’s economic model. Given marked interest in foreign investment and the business sector, these services represent a safeguard for such activities and confirm the security of doing business with Cuba.

(Granma)

During the meeting, which included the participation of Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee Second Secretary, José Ramón Machado Ventura, officials assessed progress made in efforts to repair damage, above all to the agricultural sector, roads, homes, and water supplies.

Preliminary evaluations indicate that 9,972 homes from Pinar del Río to Ciego de Ávila suffered some sort of damage, of which 486 are reported to have been completely destroyed. It was noted that resources have already been sent to these provinces to aid recovery efforts.

Meanwhile, the bridge located at kilometer 213 of the National Highway is set to be reopened shortly.

Officials reported that Cuba’s reservoirs currently contain 5,000 cubic meters of water following the heavy rains. Water levels in five reservoirs rose beyond maximum capacity, while efforts are underway to repair 136 aqueducts which were damaged.

Likewise, 1,500 hectares of bean crops were ruined and some 10,000 of root vegetables were affected. Efforts are currently underway to salvage all possible crops and deliver them directly to market.

Officials noted that power has been restored in most areas, although some are still without electricity after they were cut off due to flooding.

As for food supplies, subsidized products were delivered on time to all relevant outlets and sales of non-regulated products remain stable.

It was also reported that the 43 schools that served as shelters for evacuees have now reopened, while the epidemiological situation is under control and no outbreaks of disease have been reported thus far.

Díaz-Canel called for a thorough, methodical investigation of the circumstances which led to the death of eight people and disappearance of one other as a result of heavy rains and flooding.

The Cuban President also reminded citizens to remain alert, with heavy rainfall forecast for the coming days.

(Granma)

Several ministers participated in the meeting and presented preliminary information on damages, which will be clarified when flood waters subside.

Minister of Energy and Mines Alfredo López Valdés reported that some 58,000 people were without electrical service, saying that 60 repair trucks had been working since the dawn hours to restore power, although some areas remain cut off by flooding. He said all material and human resources to address the situation are available.

Regarding the distribution of basic food items, Minister of Domestic Commerce Mary Blanca Ortega Barredo said that fundamental subsidized items were being delivered, starting with the most remote areas, and that stored supplies were being put on the market before schedule, to avoid damage in warehouses. She indicated that some damages to stores, restaurants, and retail centers had been reported.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Julio García Pérez reported that damage to crops is widespread, including plantains, beans, rice, tobacco and vegetables, and that some irrigation systems have been damaged as well, while collection of milk from dairy farms has been suspended in some regions because of inclement weather. He assured that all ripe crops are being harvested and rice paddies are being carefully monitored, adding that sufficient seeds and fertilizer are on hand to begin recovery efforts as soon as possible.

In terms of damage to roads and highways in the country’s central provinces, Minister of Construction René Mesa Villafaña confirmed that several bridges and highways suffered damage due to flooding and overflowing rivers. He reported that teams of engineers and architects were being readied to work with the Ministry of Transport to determine the extent of damages and adopt immediate measures, while making longer term plans for repairs.

Photo: Estudio Revolución
Minister of Transport Adel Yzquierdo Rodríguez added that inclement weather and flooding led to the temporary closing of the National Highway at several points, as well as the Central Railway, and the suspensions of national bus service to and from the provinces of Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, and Sancti Spíritus.

For her part, Inés María Chapman Waugh, president of the Water Resources Institute, presented an update on the countries reservoirs, 141 of which are filled to over 90% of their capacity, and all in the central region are releasing water via spillways. She noted that as the rainfall diminishes, significant run-off from the mountains is to be expected, so continued vigilance is needed given the danger of flash floods. Chapman emphasized that preparations must be made for the rainy season that is just beginning, with almost all reservoirs full.

She additionally stressed the need to chlorinate water in the affected provinces, to avoid health problems.

The public health system’s readiness to deal with the situation was confirmed by Health Minister Roberto Morales Ojeda, who commented that – aside from a few specific cases – services have been maintained in the affected provinces. In particular, he mentioned the April Ninth Hospital in Sagua la Grande, which was severely damaged, explaining that vital services have been reorganized and are available to the population. He emphasized that epidemiological control measures must be reinforced to maintain the stable situation existent to date.

Education Minister Ena Elsa Velázquez Cobiella detailed the school system’s situation, reporting that some 50 educational centers have been affected, and another 54 are serving as shelters for evacuated families. In five central provinces schools are closed, but work is underway to restart the academic year as quickly as possible, with alternative locations being considered in some cases.

Minister of the Interior Vice Admiral Julio César Gandarilla Bermejo reported that forces are mobilized in affected provinces, with work directed primarily toward regulating traffic on damaged roads and protecting the belongings of evacuated persons. He said that immediate action has been taken in cases of indisciplined behavior, a result of limited perception of the dangers on the part of some.

Likewise the Revolutionary Armed Forces, as is customary, have joined evacuation efforts to rescue those stranded in isolated areas.

Among details presented by provincial authorities, it was reported that in the province of Matanzas, reservoirs are filled to 70% of capacity; 6,000 persons were evacuated from their homes; and preliminary information indicated that 54 dwellings and some 1,700 hectares of crops were damaged.

Cienfuegos, which remained in the weather alarm category, was described as facing the most complicated situation, with 22 areas flooded and 19 communities cut off, though measures were adopted to protect the population.

Reports from Villa Clara indicated that reservoirs were filled to over 99% capacity; 35 settlements were incommunicado; 21,000 persons had been evacuated; and efforts were currently concentrated on the community of El Santo, in the municipality of Encrucijada, given the danger of further flooding.

A tense situation was being faced in Sancti Spíritus with nine reservoirs releasing water. The country’s largest reservoir, the Zaza, located in the province, had received 1.174 billion cubic meters of water, although rain was subsiding. Some 15,000 people had been evacuated and 78 communities were cut off.

From Ciego de Ávila, reports indicated that the greatest damage occurred in the municipalities of Majagua, Florencia, Chambas, and Morón. All reservoirs in the province are releasing water and some 500 persons were evacuated. The situation here was aggravated by the occurrence of several tornados that damaged a number of homes.

Given this panorama, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, emphasized that as weather improved, the focus would be on recovery efforts, first of all the reestablishment of basic services, including water, electricity, transportation, and food distribution.

We must conduct a full evaluation of the damages and take advantage of experience gained in work done following Hurricane Irma, such as the organization of mixed brigades and the centralization of paperwork processing, so that the population can quickly receive benefits to repair their homes, he said.

Díaz-Canel added that the return of evacuees to their homes must be organized as soon as possible, or alternate lodging found, so that schools can re-open and the academic year continue, within a short period of time.

He emphasized that vandalism and anti-social behavior that may occur in such situations must be dealt with severely, given the sensitive nature of events, citing the example of speculators who take advantage of the difficult moment to raise prices.

It was also reported that the Ministry of Economy and Planning is working on estimates of the resources that will be needed for the recovery, and these will be sent to the provinces affected, as soon as possible.

Additionally announced were three work groups that would depart from the capital to affected provinces, led by First Vice President of the Councils of State and Ministers Salvador Valdés Mesa; José Ramón Machado Ventura, second secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba; and Comandante de la Revolución Ramiro Valdés Menéndez. The first two will head work groups in the center of the country, and the third in the western part of the island.

Díaz-Canel expressed his confidence that, as on previous occasions, the country will emerge from this challenge victorious, confirming once again our ability to react in extreme weather conditions like these, which are increasingly frequent and intense as a result of climate change.

(Granma)