Cuba prepares for Hurricane Rafael as over 70,000 evacuate ahead of landfall

theguardian.com

Cuba is preparing for Hurricane Rafael, expected to make landfall on Wednesday. The storm, currently a category 2 hurricane with winds of 99 mph, is about 160 miles southeast of Havana. It may strengthen to a category 3 before hitting the island. Over 70,000 people have been evacuated, primarily from Guantánamo, where Hurricane Oscar caused fatalities last month. Nine provinces, including Havana, are under cyclone alert as military personnel are mobilized to assist with preparations. Cuba is still recovering from a recent nationwide blackout caused by a power plant failure. Residents are facing challenges, including limited access to news and resources, as they prepare for the impact of Rafael.


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