By securing 45 vessels from the Alcides Pino Bermúdez (Astinor) shipyard. As well as smaller ones, the coastal municipality of Gibara in Holguin is protecting key sectors of its economy as Hurricane Melissa approaches eastern Cuba.
The main priorities are the preservation of human life and the protection of essential resources for the production of basic goods and services. Therefore, the Municipal Defense Council (CDM) and the nine regional councils are finalizing conditions for the arrival of the tropical storm. Nayla Leyva Rodríguez, president of the CDM, told CNA.
The protection of means of transportation, such as motorcycle taxis, and reserve food supplies. Intended to guarantee the population’s food supply, has also been essential. The latter are stored in the territory’s three main warehouses, located in Gibara and Velasco.
To ensure a continuous supply of vital resources, the Inejiro Asanuma Spinning Mill. Which manufactures materials for medical care. Such as supplies and hospital linens, will continue to operate during the emergency.
Another priority was keeping the population informed and aware of the risks associated with the meteorological event. Therefore, they deployed working groups, with the support of local authorities. To ensure communication through house-to-house visits before, during, and after Melissa’s passage.
Thanks to these actions, more than 21,000 people living in areas at risk of flooding caused by rivers, dams, or sea surges were identified. They are gradually being relocated to protection centers or to safe housing with family and friends.
To support this process, they activated 12 food processing centers, working in coordination with shelters. They promoted the sale of prepared and raw food, recruiting self-employed workers, MSMEs, and the municipality’s seven private bakeries.
They also continued the distribution of rice, milk, and bread to ensure the livelihoods of residents. Leyva Rodríguez added that they also increased the availability of drinking wáter. Supplying seven points in the Velasco area and reinforcing the supply to the collective cisterns of 12 rural communities that rely on water trucks. So that Gibara residents have access to water, food, and communication during the weather phenomenon.
With the local economy protected, including transportation, boats, and food. The population sheltered in evacuation centers; and with its two reservoirs, Cacoyogüin and Santa Clara, prepared to store wáter. Gibara is ready to face the arrival of Hurricane Melissa.
With information from CNA
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