Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez led an expanded session of the National Defense Council on Monday, October 27, to coordinate actions in response to the imminent impact of Hurricane Melissa, which reached Category 5 status with sustained winds exceeding 260 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall.
During the meeting—held via videoconference with the top authorities of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) and the government of the eastern provinces—the president emphasized that “the most important thing in confronting this powerful hurricane is the protection of human lives.”
“The Revolution leaves no one behind,” Díaz-Canel asserted, emphasizing that, amid the current economic and social conditions, “no resources can be spared to protect people.”
The meeting was attended by Major General Ramón Pardo Guerra, Chief of the National Civil Defense Staff, who reported on the evacuation measures being implemented in the territories most threatened by floods and landslides.
“Priority is given to the safe transfer of thousands of people to shelters and family homes, with the aim of avoiding human losses,” the senior military commander explained.
From Granma, the Party’s First Secretary, Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló, reported that the province’s reservoirs are at 57 percent capacity and that preventive measures are being taken to safeguard economic resources.
“The province is preparing for the worst-case scenario, with the goal of protecting people and guaranteeing vital services,” Ortiz said.
In Santiago de Cuba, party leader Beatriz Johnson Urrutia confirmed the evacuation of more than 119,000 people, while in Guantánamo, the Party’s First Secretary, Yoel Pérez García, stated that more than 39,500 Guantánamo residents have been transferred to shelters and safe housing.
Infrastructure and Communications Ready
Representatives of national organizations reported on the availability of energy, water, transportation, food, health, education, and communications. ETECSA, the state-owned telecommunications company, announced that it has enabled free information channels for the population.
Users will have free access to the websites of the Institute of Meteorology and Radio Rebelde, as well as sending a free text message to 2266 with the word “HURRICANE” to receive updates on Melissa’s path.
Likewise, teams of electricians and technicians remain on alert to restore services in the affected areas, and preventive measures such as dismantling utility equipment, pruning trees, and checking generators are being implemented.
A historic hurricane
According to the Institute of Meteorology, Melissa is among the most intense hurricanes to threaten eastern Cuba in decades.
“This is a much stronger hurricane than the others that have hit the eastern region in recent years, such as Dennis, Sandy, or Matthew,” said Insmet director Celso Pazos Alberdi.
Forecast models indicate that the hurricane could make landfall between Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo during Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, so the eastern provinces remain in the Alert Phase.
The Secretary of Organization of the Party Central Committee, Dr. Roberto Morales Ojeda, reported that Party working groups have been formed in each territory, made up of Secretariat officials, to ensure ongoing communication with the population and support the work at evacuation centers.
From the headquarters of the National Defense Council, Díaz-Canel emphasized the need to maintain unity, discipline, and community cooperation, highlighting the role of local institutions, the Armed Forces, and the civilian population.
“Solidarity must prevail in every municipality and community. In these difficult times, the commitment of the Cuban people is once again being tested,” the president stated.
The government reiterated that it will continue to provide real-time information through national media and official digital platforms.
IMAGE CREDIT: According to the Institute of Meteorology, Melissa is among the most intense hurricanes to threaten eastern Cuba in decades. Photo: PRENSA LATINA
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
