Western provinces of Cuba working hard to reduce impact of Hurricane Michel

Officials from the western provinces of Cuba intensify their efforts to reduce the impact of rains caused by Hurricane Michel.

The Defense Council in Pinar del Rio assessed the situation and approved some measures to guarantee the supply of markets, solid waste collection, and keep the population updated.

The energy supply was cut off in four municipalities in order to reduce the impact of winds effects.

As the Hurricane drew near, the Special Municipality Isla de la Juventud proceeded to harvest crops; the cattle was moved towards highlands and pig and poultry breeder houses were protected.

Likewise, the availability of fuel, medicines, and vital resources were also guaranteed for the perfect functioning of the territory.

Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz Canel urged to stay alert before Hurricane Michel and exhorted to implement and follow all the adopted measures and guidelines.

According to the report televised at 20:00hrs, the National Forecasting Center of Cuba’s Meteorology Institute warned that Hurricane Michel was moving north and was getting away from Cuba.

Jose Rubiera, head of the National Forecasting Center, detailed that the Hurricane intensified and reached sustained winds speed at 140 km/h.

He also explained that the Hurricane will bring heavy rainfalls from Pinar del Rio to Matanzas.

Last-minute reports confirmed that Michel was heading to the Gulf of Mexico.

Rubiera added that the weather event forward speed is 19km/h and can reach category II or III in the Gulf of Mexico.

In his words, Michel heads towards northwest of the Florida peninsula.

Coastal flooding can occur from Artemisa to Mayabeque provinces.

It will not occur on the north coast as the tide will recede due to the wind direction.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Diaz / CubaSi Translation Staff