Faced with the imminent approach of Hurricane Melissa to eastern Cuba. The Municipal Defense Council (CDM) of Cacocum immediately activated its response to protect the population and material resources. With special attention to areas traditionally affected by flooding.
The acting president of the CDM, Mariela Cruz Herrera, supervised critical areas in this Holguin municipality, including the Magueyal Dam, key to water management.
Cruz Herrera confirmed that the facility is at 70% of its capacity and that all technical and human conditions are in place to carry out relief maneuvers when necessary. Municipal authorities are planning the evacuation of 18,629 people. Representing 45% of Cacocum’s population. More than 2,000 will be housed in evacuation centers. While the rest will stay with relatives and friends.
Among the actions implemented are the cleaning and dredging of canals to improve drainage. Also crucial in a municipality that receives water from neighboring towns like Urbano Noris.
In addition, the harvesting and safeguarding of agricultural products to prevent losses. The suspension of the sale of alcoholic beverages. And the assurance of the water supply through tanker trucks are underway.
In communities located downstream of the Magueyal Dam. Such as Yaguabo, a comprehensive operation is underway. Onilber Rafael Pupo, president of the Limpio Chiquito defense zone. Explained that although the official activation took place 24 hours ago, they have been working for 72 hours.
“We have conducted a house-to-house visit with all the delegates. We are addressing the special case of Yaguabo. A low-lying area that receives water through the Salt Collector from Santiago de Cuba and Urbano Noris,” Pupo stated.
He also assured that the main canal “is quite clean” and that they have a surveillance system with three guards at strategic points. Also who will report any rising water levels through five designated telephone lines.
For his part, Dixán Mojena Arzuaga, head of the Education, Culture, and Sports subgroup. He reported that, following the suspension of classes, the governing councils of all educational institutions were activated to protect resources.
“We are primarily safeguarding materials related to the audiovisual program and third-year advanced training materials. Futhermore which are new books and whose protection is vital due to the cost they represent for the country,” Mojena stated. Moreover he also specified that seven educational institutions in the area will function as evacuation centers. Both for transit and for permanent protection.
Civil Defense has deployed a direct communication system with the population. It uses loudspeakers in high-traffic areas. As well as motorcycles that travel through streets and neighborhoods. Transmitting precise instructions on protective measures and evacuation protocols. This direct person-to-person contact is not lacking in Cacocum’s communities to inform, alert, and persuade the population.
Municipal authorities emphasized the importance of the public strictly heeding official warnings and taking extreme precautions. With the fundamental objective of preserving human life. Cruz Herrera and his team are tireless, knowing full well that “prevention is the art of saving.”
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