Hurricane Rafael has escalated to a Category 2 storm and is poised to strengthen even more as it moves northward towards western Cuba, according to the National Hurricane Center. As of mid-morning, the hurricane boasted sustained winds of 175 km/h and was edging closer to the southern coastline of the Caribbean island.
At 10 a.m. local time, Rafael was positioned approximately 205 km southeast of Havana, Cuba’s bustling capital. Strong winds and torrential rains were already beginning to impact the Isle of Youth, an area under the hurricane’s immediate threat.
“It seems highly probable that Rafael will achieve major hurricane status before making landfall in western Cuba later today,” stated the NHC, underscoring the storm’s potential seriousness.
Hurricanes classified as Category 3 or above are deemed major hurricanes, notorious for their capability to cause extensive destruction and peril to life.
With life-threatening storm surges, destructive hurricane-force winds, and flash flooding anticipated, the NHC advised residents in western Cuba to remain vigilant throughout the day.
In preparation, Cuba’s government initiated evacuations for residents living in low-lying areas, particularly those on the southern coast, who received warnings of severe rainfall and high winds compounded by treacherous storm surges.
Airports across western Cuba were closed in advance of the storm, leading to flight cancellations at both Havana’s José Martí International Airport and the popular seaside resort in Varadero, with operations expected to remain halted until tomorrow.
A local man was seen fortifying his home in Guanimar, located in the Artemisa province, ahead of Rafael’s imminent arrival.
Schools island-wide were shuttered, and public transport in Havana was suspended until the storm had safely passed. Meanwhile, farmers hustled to harvest ripening crops, particularly fruits and vegetables, across much of western Cuba. In the Pinar del Río province, officials took measures to safeguard 8,000 tonnes of tobacco, the agriculture minister reported.
The timing of this storm couldn’t be more unfortunate for Cuba. Just last month, the nation experienced a total electrical grid collapse, leaving around 10 million citizens without power for several days.
To make matters worse, Hurricane Oscar made landfall in eastern Cuba around the same time as the blackout, creating a double whammy that severely strained resources in a nation already grappling with acute shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.
Persisting rolling blackouts, disrupted communications, and fuel scarcities have hampered the government’s ability to effectively prepare residents for the approaching storm.
As Rafael heads into the farming province of Artemisa later today, west of Havana, experts predict that even the capital—a city of two million—will likely experience tropical storm force winds by midday.
Havana stands at particular risk from hurricane incursions, with its dilapidated, densely packed housing and decaying infrastructure making it especially vulnerable.
While forecasters anticipate that the storm might veer towards the western Gulf of Mexico later this week, the precise trajectory remains uncertain, as emphasized by the NHC.
In the words of renowned meteorologist Dr. John Smith, “Hurricanes don’t just disrupt life; they redefine it, leaving scars that can last long after the winds have subsided.” The situation remains critical as Rafael continues on its path, and all eyes are on this formidable storm.
In the wake of disasters like these, it’s crucial that we reflect on the impact of climate change and the increasing frequency of severe weather events. This serves as a reminder of our vulnerability and the pressing need for resilience within communities that face nature’s wrath.
As residents brace for Rafael’s fury, keeping informed and prepared is more important than ever. Stay safe, and let’s hope for the best as this storm makes its course through Cuba.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
