According to information provided by local residents, the tornado moved to the north and traveled approximately 900m. Until the moment this note is prepared, there have been reports of damage to the electrical service and homes with partial and total roof damage. Taking into account the affectations it is classified as an F1.

This meteorological situation was associated with the crossing of an outer band of tropical storm Gamma that is located on the Yucatan peninsula.

(With information from the Provincial Meteorological Center of Artemisa, INSMET)

On the evening of Sunday, January 27, residents of the municipalities of Diez de Octubre, Regla, San Miguel del Padrón, Guanabacoa and part of Havana del Este experienced a phenomenon like no other, which left six dead and injured over 190, while 5,000 suffered damages and substantial material losses.

The natural disaster set another storm in action, unleashing a tornado of solidarity able to overcome all the damage caused.

THE FIRST RESPONSE

The same path followed by the tornado was followed by brigades of communications, construction and electrical workers, municipal brigades and the people as a whole. All with the purpose of recovering, in the shortest time possible, a large part of the material losses.

DWELLINGS

-1,068 total losses

-1,000 partial damage

After the tornado, activated were all mechanisms for technical assessment of the damages and points for the sale of construction materials, including for those with less income, who received subsidies and access to credit.

Additionally, steps were taken to speed up the paperwork related to this process, for all those who had suffered damages and material losses.

From the first moment, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, ministers, and the highest authorities of the Party and government in Havana, were mobilized, working side by side with the people and, in only five months, repaired 95% percent of the damage.

By the end of December 2019, 10,280 homes, had been built, surpassing original plans for 6,166.

HEALTHCARE

-19 damaged facilities

-1 Maternity Hospital (Diez de Octubre)

-4 polyclinics

-2 homes for the elderly

-10 community doctors and nurses offices

-1 community pharmacy

-1 office for vector control in the municipality of Regla

A total of 196 patients were inside the Diez de Octubre maternity hospital the moment the tornado struck; 17 children were in the Neonatology Ward, with two in critical condition. Not one of these infants suffered any type of injury.

Destroyed were ninety percent of the hospital’s windows, roofing, and plumbing; and 80% of 74 water tanks.

Recovery tasks were assumed by the Blas Roca and the Julio Antonio Mella construction brigades and in less than a month, the hospital reopened, offering 10% of its services.

As solid evidence of the priority the state gives to healthcare and authorities’ determination to recover in the shortest time possible, all Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) facilities damaged by the tornado were ready to offer their services to all the population by March 19.

ELECTRICITY

-834,539 households were left without electricity services

-Within only five days, electrical service wasrestored in all affected municipalities, as follows: Diez de Octubre,98 %; Regla, 95 %; and Guanabacoa, 99 %.

COMMUNICATIONS AFFECTED

-15,750 telephone lines

-27 cell phone radiobases

-23 wifi hotspots

-9 integral service centers

In the case of communications, the 93-meter tower of El Sapo Radio and Medium Wave Broadcasting Center that broadcasts the signal of Coco and Radio Rebelde stations, was downed by the powerful winds, but service was reestablished through other facilities.

By April 1, the tower was back in operation. The current tower is shorter, 63 meters, but meets broadcasting needs and was designed to resist strong winds.

EDUCATION

-78 damaged facilities

The Alfredo Aguayo school, located in the Diez de Octubre of Santos Suárez, was one of the most damaged by the tornado, as almost all of its carpentry was affected.

During the repair works, the theater was restored, along with sports areas and computer labs. These works returned the school to its heritage condition and enrollment was increased to 800 students.

Brigades from the Mayabeque’s comprehensive construction enterprise also participated in the removal of debris from the roof of the Andrés Luján Polytechnic School, in the municipality of San Miguel del Padrón.

“All these issues were resolved in a short period of time thanks to the solidarity and the selfless support of everybody, from the top leadership to the grassroots,” said Luis Antonio Torres Iríbar, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in the capital, during the Havana provincial commemoration of the 66th anniversary of the assaults on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes garrisons.

(Sources: Habana 500 government website, Tribuna de La Habana and Granma newspapers)

These have been days of hard work and solidarity, he said, of respect for citizens affected, who are also our compatriots and family. This has been a learning process. We have experienced moving life stories, ones that amaze, about what the people can accomplish when we organize ourselves.

Over the days following the tornado, Díaz-Canel noted, “We have been able to appreciate close-up the urgent needs of the affected population. We have called on all functionaries to be understanding of those affected and we have asked families to have patience.”

With regards to assistance provided, he explained, that in the past 14 days, Processing Offices have received 9,000 visits by those seeking support in repairing tornado-damage, while 7,000 damages have been recorded. This means that for every case, more than one member of an affected family has sought help, or some have made more than one visit.

Paperwork for more than 5,700 cases has been concluded, and more than 3,600 persons have materials in hand to begin repairs, representing more than 50% of those affected. And some 900 cases have been fully resolved.

At this rate, the President said, we can say that, before the end of the year, we will have the majority of the cases resolved or in the process, “What’s most important is to recover and emerge from this stronger.”

The Cuban leader recalled the Comandante en Jefe’s ideas regarding the effort that must be made when faced with situations like this, and emphasized that work is advancing guided by these principles, and that there had been no delay in allocating the principal resources needed.

He stressed that, from the beginning, priorities were identified. Quantifiable evaluations were conducted of damage and repairs needed, and work began with simpler tasks, moving gradually to the more complex.

Photo: Estudios Revolución
He added that this was possible because of two fundamental advantages of our system. First, despite our limitations, the economy leaves no one without protection, and the second is that the Cuban people is one of the world’s most solidary. He emphasized that the population has unique, practical experience in voluntary work and solidarity efforts, and that the values of self-sacrifice and determination are something natural here.

“With the current context in the capital, the watchwords ‘The best for Havana’ is no longer a slogan, but a reality, and our media has witnessed the generosity that this people displays with every donation. We all hold this value in our memories,” he insisted.

“The most challenging moments are coming now,” he cautioned, recalling that alongside ministers, provincial functionaries, and officials are neighborhood delegates to Municipal People’s Power Assemblies, who were the first to arrive when the tornado hit. They are in charge of this whole phase of recovery that will continue over the next few months.

“Today, we want to listen to those at the grassroots level, the municipal level, the anonymous heroes.”

Before the program’s conclusion, the President stated, “We are making Cuba all together. When you see the demonstrations of dedication and effort, you feel even more proud to be Cuban. This is the life of Cuba in Revolution.”

“This tragedy has strengthened the collective leadership of our country. Our relations with those affected are closer, allowing us to interact directly with the problems.

“This phenomenon occurred at a tense moment for our country, amidst threats and the tightening of the economic blockade imposed by the United States; within a context of talk about a military intervention in a country that is our friend: Venezuela. At a time when our people are about to approve a new Constitution of the Republic.”

Nothing will detain our forward march, he insisted, we will continue the recovery, and we will continue to be a world reference in the way we care for our people, he said.

“The enemy is perturbed, because our victories generate victories. It bothers many of them that there is unity between the country’s authorities and the people. Over these days, we have interacted amidst embraces and understanding. There are complaints, of course, but also comprehension of the situation.

“Work continues on organization, on providing answers to the people. Our experiences these days have been uplifting. For these reasons and others, on February 24, I will vote Yes.”

WE WILL COME OUT AHEAD

Whoever travels along Luyanó Avenue at night, does so now thanks to LED light technology, reported Reynaldo García Zapata, president of the Havana Provincial Assembly of People’s Power.

He also highlighted that the willingness of state agencies to make underutilized buildings available to tornado victims, and offer their staff’s support, must be recognized.

Likewise, “We must give special recognition to the people for their conduct and participation in the recovery process. This shows that we can move forward,” he noted.

García stated that the coordinated work of authorities at the municipal and provincial levels has had a positive impact on the recovery, emphasizing the daily functioning of the Provincial and Municipal Defense Councils, with the regular participation of key leaders.

The deployment in neighborhoods of technicians, People’s Power delegates, and activists from mass organizations has been critical, he said, in the search for solutions.

HOUSING DAMAGE

7,872 TOTAL CASES:

—730 total collapses

—931 partial collapses

—3,152 Type 1 damage

Some 6,239 technical reports have been filed, while 80%, that is 5,497 cases are ready. A total of 3,696 households have materials needed to complete repairs. Reports indicate that 952 cases, including 814 with Type 1 damage, have been resolved.

García reported that forces from the Water Resources Institute and Ministry of Construction have been involved in this work.

There are 2,543 households which have not yet purchased assigned materials, but that these are available at sales points

He also reported on the work of state agencies in identifying underutilized facilities that can be remodeled as housing, saying that locales to provide 240 dwellings have been found.

He likewise reported that damage has been reported at 190 institutions, including 78 schools, of which 48 have been repaired, along with 13 public health facilities. Some 31 industrial facilities suffered damage, 74% of which have been repaired.

In terms of telephone service, he said that the network has been restored, while infrastructure has been improved and services expanded. In the neighborhoods of Tamarindo, Chibás, and Armada, capacity has been increased.

SOLIDARITY WITH – AND FROM – THE CLASSROOM

Yoania Falcón, provincial director of Education in Havana, reported that across the city 78 schools, with a total enrollment of 17,938 students, were affected. These students were temporarily placed in 11 other schools within 72 hours, allowing them to continue their studies without interruption following the tornado.

Residences housing 303 teachers in the capital were also damaged, and all were rapidly repaired, she said.

Among the six tornado-related deaths, one was a teacher at Guillermón Moncada Elementary School in the municipality of Diez de Octubre. Family members have been offered extensive support, and expressed their gratitude to the country, despite the pain, she said.

Likewise, Danhiz Díaz Pereira, president of the Federation of University Students (FEU) at José Antonio Echeverría Technological University, reported that some 2,313 students from the school have participated in recovery efforts in affected areas.

Students were accompanied by professors and other university staff members, to offer help in affected neighborhoods, as determined in conjunction with municipal governments.

He emphasized that they have received thanks from fellow students in other parts of the country, and that their professors have said they were proud of students taking up pencils at school, torches during the José Martí march, and shovels in the recovery.

She added that, even as the academic years continues, they will keep working. “All the help that was provided shows that we are continuity.”

WORKING WITH SENSITIVITY

Meisi Bolaños Weiss, Minister of Finance and Prices, stressed the importance of good organization, and working with sensitivity, since not all offices have the capacity to take on such a workload.

Another lesson learned is that facilities must be set up to serve the population and address any problem that may come up.

Regarding the computer application developed by Geocuba, she stated that it has been very valuable, since technical reports are being computerized. This is very important, she said, because it allows us to verify the address where damage occurred and its magnitude, which facilitates paperwork. Betsy Díaz Velázquez, minister of Domestic Trade, reported on plans to ensure that repairs on 30 retail stores leave them in better condition than before the tornado.

“We know that there are concerns at sales points, because purchases are suspended when trucks arrive with more merchandise. So we’re trying to arrange a second door (for deliveries).”

On the other hand, she added that more than 850 water tanks are being moved from the center of the country to the city. We are taking into account the amount of water each household needs. Although there are families who want tanks of more than a thousand liters, we ask for their understanding, water must be used rationally. If there are surplus tanks after the recovery period, they will go on sale to the population.

Díaz highlighted the work of transportation providers and suppliers; and daily efforts to perfect the work, such as, for example, increasing the number of cash registers. Today materials are being supplied to more than 200 people a day at 16 sales points, she said.

Orders have been given to review files on a case by case basis, to close those that can be resolved quickly.

The goal is to have all those whose files are complete purchase materials before the end of February, she said. The minister also addressed care being provided 1,045 people staying in shelters and arrangements made to guarantee their food.

WALKING THE STREETS

Alberto Osorio, delegate to the Luyanó People’s Council, explained that in this community, work has advanced in resolving housing damage.

Since the tornado, the work has not stopped, he said. National authorities have not left any families on their own, he said, adding that the mood is very positive.

In our People’s Council, it has become normal to see authorities on the streets, as if they were neighbors, he said.

At present, 69 new construction projects are being undertaken, in order to provide solutions to the damage to seven complexes and 16 private houses in the area.

People are very happy with this.

Others are advancing in the solution of their problems, through their own efforts.

We still have deficiencies, because we have focused our efforts on the most severe damage left by the tornado. I think we should continue working to reach all victims, although the damage they experienced may be minor, he commented.

“We are a very united People’s Council. We never felt alone.”

Regarding the municipality of Guanabacoa, Annia Lemus Prieto, president of the Municipal Assembly of People’s Power, reported that in the area the 1,130 damages which occurred in four neighborhoods have been quantified.

She stressed that, thus far, 950 households have been assigned and purchased material resources and that solutions have been found to deal with dwellings totally destroyed. In the case of homes that are being built by families themselves, owners are provided help from various officials and entities.

First Party Secretary in La Lisa, José Felipe Interián Rodríguez, added that this municipality’s government and residents have joined the clean-up since dawn on the 28th.

There has been extraordinary participation in the recovery by all workers, many very young, he said, including FEU members who filled trucks with rubble with incredible speed.

BRICKS, CEMENT, SAND… AND DETERMINATION

Norberto Pérez Morales, vice president of the Ministry of Construction’s Construction Enterprise Group, highlighted the mobilization of all forces, and workers’ willingness to contribute, so that those affected have a dignified, beautiful home.

He added that housing was considered the fundamental challenge to be addressed. Thus, from the first moment, they reported to affected areas, where assessments were made to determine if re-construction could take place at the same site; the family’s commitment was confirmed; and builders were identified. At the same time, areas were selected for new housing complex sites.

“Today we are concluding 534 homes, more than 75% of the total losses are under construction and work will begin in the next few hours on the rest,” he said.

In February more than a hundred homes will be delivered and the first will be this week. The execution timeline projects concluding the majority in the first half of the year, he said.

EXPEDITED HELP

Rodrigo Malmierca, minister of Foreign Trade and Investment (Mincex), explained the procedure being followed for the reception and distribution of donations. He recalled that the Cuban government has a clear policy regarding international aid, which is to accept it and channel its distribution.

He highlighted, in particular, the help of Venezuela, which despite suffering an economic war waged by the United States, was among the first to offer support.

Help comes in two forms he said: material and monetary. For the monetary, two accounts were created, both administered by the Havana provincial government.

Embassies abroad have also contributed to this task.

The fundamental issue with the donations, he said, is to facilitate their arrival to the country. Hence, the goods are not subject to tariffs, entering without customs charges, and are distributed free of charge to the population, by the relevant agency.

He emphasized that all donations are distributed free of charge, rejecting comments made in bad faith, early on, that obstacles were being created to the arrival of aid. In reality, the government, like the people, was intent upon advancing the recovery rapidly, with a spirit of solidarity. Whoever tries to distort this, is lying, he concluded.

THE HUMANISM OF THE REVOLUTION

Luis Antonio Torres Iríbar, first secretary of the Provincial Party Committee in Havana, said that the common denominator evident in the recovery is unity.

He added that the Revolution is humanistic and participatory – made with, for, and by the humble – and this has been reflected over these days.

Torres added that this fusion of people, leaders, and students, is what has made it possible to see the full scope of the recovery process, saying, “It is important to reaffirm that we have identified solutions for 100% of the houses that were totally destroyed.”

The Party first secretary highlighted the role of finance specialists, who have guaranteed that the funds are available and that victims are purchasing the resources they need. He also recognized the work of the press, the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and the Ministry of the Interior.

He spoke about an experience in Regla, where someone commented, “The tornado surprised me, but not the Revolution, because the Revolution has shown the people that no one is ever left abandoned.”

He said that the 500th anniversary celebration will go on in Havana, and thanked Army General Raúl Castro, the Party, the President, and the Council of Ministers, for their support and vigilance, at this time of commitment, pride and victory.

(Granma)

The President said that Army General Raúl Castro and José Ramón Machado Ventura, first and second secretaries of the Communist Party of Cuba, respectively, are attentive to progress being made in recovery efforts.
“We are going to pick ourselves up, because in Cuba, as the song says, the day always dawns after the darkest night, because we are continuity,” he said.

Díaz-Canel reiterated condolences on behalf of the Party, the government, and other organizations, to families afflicted by the loss of human life, the injured, and those who suffered the loss of property and damage to their homes.

“This event differs from those we are accustomed to facing. A tornado cannot be predicted like a hurricane. Information had been announced about forecasts of thunderstorms, high probability of rain … and measures were adopted, like not holding the March of the Torches as usual on January 27. What we could not anticipate was that an event of this magnitude would develop, a scale EF4 (tornado).”

After the tornado, the response of leaders and cadres of the Party and government, the National Civil Defense General Staff, with cooperation from central state administration agencies, was immediate, he recalled.
“It should be noted that there were firefighters, rescue workers, emergency services, the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and the people. From the first moment the people were present,” he said.

Diaz-Canel recalled that the Provincial Defense Council met at 8am the morning of the 28th, and the Council of Ministers was convened two hours earlier.

Before dawn, he said, “Several ministers were present where the most complex problems were occurring,” he said, adding that experience was gained and lessons learned, which should be shared with the population.
To do so, and to provide information on the recovery work of many organizations and people, he suggested presenting another Mesa Redonda program on the issue, next week.

(Granma)

Díaz-Canel directed ministry leaders to propose alternatives to address the pressing issue of housing, including facilities that could be adapted and made available to affected families.

He insisted on the urgency of identifying every person left without housing, to find a solution for everyone.

In referring to donations, he stressed that local efforts should be publicized and that all resources must reach those affected, while Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment RodrigoMalmierca reported that this process is well structured and has been put into action. He explained that support from governments and non-governmental organizations abroad is managed by Cuban embassies in those countries.

The Banco Financiero Internacional has established an account, 0300000005093523, for monetary contributions, as well as Banco Metropolitano: 0598770003953216. Also available to answer any questions in this regard is the email: donacionxlahabana@mincex.gob.cu

(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.

(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)

The municipalities of Regla and Guanabacoa suffered the most damage during the severe storms that formed ahead of a cold front which crossed the provinces of Pinar del Río, Mayabeque, and La Habana.

“We are touring areas affected by the extreme weather phenomenon in Regla. The damages are severe; at this moment we lament the loss of three human lives, and 172 injured are being assisted. Several brigades are already working on the recovery,” Díaz-Canel stated.

According to preliminary data cited by authorities in the capital, on the Cuban television program Buenos Días, the deceased and injured were victims of partial or total collapses of their homes, falling trees, and other events related to the storm.

According to Prensa Latina, a tour of the city’s streets revealed many fallen trees and damage to buildings, partial interruption of electrical service, and closed streets, including the Malecón, due to high waves.

President Díaz-Canel reported on Twitter that a Council of Ministers meeting was held to evaluate the situation and adopt measures to move forward in the recovery from the severe damage left by wind, rain, and a tornado last night.

(Granma)