Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, speaking in the UN this Monday, September 18, noted that the island is advancing in its recovery following the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma, and will not abandon any of those people affected to their own fate
Author: International news staff | internet@granma.cu
september 19, 2017 10:09:32

Photo: Eduardo Palomares
UNITED NATIONS.–Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, speaking in the UN this Monday, September 18, noted that the island is advancing in its recovery following the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma, and will not abandon any of those people affected to their own fate.
“The fruits of years of intense work by our people were erased by Irma in just a few hours. But the hurricane did not break Cubans’ spirit of resistance,” Rodríguez stressed in a UN General Assembly High-LevelEventon HurricaneIrma, to address the consequences in the Caribbean region and recovery efforts.
Rodríguez recalled the recent words of President Raúl Castro, who referring to the damages caused by Irma emphasized that the Cuban people are “regenerated with every adversity.”
“As it has always been throughout the Cuban Revolution, all necessary resources will be used to ensure that no one is left defenseless,” he added.
The diplomat took the opportunity “to thank the numerous demonstrations of solidarity and offers of assistance received from numerous governments, parliaments, international organizations and civil society.”

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Raúl praises the hard work across the country following Hurricane Irma
The President of the National Defense Council led a meeting to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Irma and the actions to be taken during the recovery phase

Author: Leticia Martínez Hernández | internet@granma.cu
september 15, 2017 10:09:13

Photo: Estudio Revolución
The President of the National Defense Council, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, led a meeting with Party, state and government leaders on Wednesday, September 13, during which the damages caused by Hurricane Irma were evaluated, and the actions to be undertaken during the recovery phase outlined.

Raúl recognized the hard work in each of the areas affected by the devastating meteorological event, which struck virtually the entire island. He noted that if any benefit can be obtained from this difficult situation, it is to immediately collect experiences to better prepare for future events of this nature.

The President warned that the present hurricane season, which has been described as intense, extends until November 30, an evident product of climate change and to which we must adapt.

The Army General called to continue working tirelessly to calmly resolve problems and to keep the people informed by all possible means on the situation facing the country.

During the meeting it was highlighted that given Irma’s path across several provinces, authorities were forced to evacuate to 1,738,000 people, of them 86% were sheltered in the homes of neighbors and relatives. The head of the National Civil Defense General Staff, Major General Ramón Pardo Guerra, reported that more than 26,000 people remain in evacuation centers.

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Advisory No. 6 from the National Civil Defense General Staff regarding Hurricane Irma
The population is advised to stay informed of the evolution of Hurricane Irma, and comply with safety measures; above all to stay indoors while storm winds continue, avoid flooded areas, do not fish, bathe or collect objects in such zones, or touch downed wires, and move away from areas with buildings at risk of collapsing or unstable ground

Author: National Civil Defense General Staff | informacion@granma.cu
september 10, 2017 13:09:19
According to information from the Meteorological Institute’s Forecast Station, at 08:40am on September 10, the Casablanca station’s radar placed the eye of the hurricane 124 kilometers north of Punta Hicacos, Matanzas, and 165 kilometers northeast of Havana.
Although Irma is gradually moving away from the island, it continues to represent a threat to Cuba. Its outer bands continue to affect the country’s central and western regions, with heavy and locally intense rainfall. Tropical storm strength winds continue to be felt from Sancti Spíritus to Artemisa, as well as storm surges along the northwest coast from Matanzas to Artemisa, the northern coast of the provinces of Sancti Spíritus and Villa Clara, and the southern shoreline from Camagüey to Matanzas.
Given this situation the population is advised to keep informed of the evolution of Hurricane Irma, and comply with safety measures; above all to stay indoors while storm winds continue, avoid flooded areas, do not fish, bathe or collect objects in such zones, or touch downed wires, and move away from areas with buildings at risk of collapsing or unstable ground. Meanwhile, people who are currently being sheltered in evacuation centers are advised not to return to their homes until their safety has been determined.
We reiterate to the Cuban people the need to be prepared to participate in recovery and reconstruction actions to repair the damage, consistent with the solidarity which characterizes us; and to rigorously comply with instructions by relevant authorities.
NATIONAL CIVIL DEFENSE GENERAL STAFF
10:30 am, September 10, 2017