Re: Cubans Practice for Hurricanes

[Steve_YYZ]

This is from Sunday's Miami Herald. Thought it would be interesting for everybody.
 Steve
 
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 Posted on Sun, Jul. 03, 2005
 
 HAVANA - Cubans across the island practiced emergency drills for hurricanes and other natural disasters Sunday, part of a two-day activity called Meteor Exercise 2005, local media reported.
 
 They were also clearing off roofs and patios ahead of what's expected to be an active hurricane season with heavy rains in the Caribbean this year.
 
 The drills, organized by the Cuban government and local social groups, focused on hurricanes but also reacted to potential earthquakes, fires or toxic leaks.
 
 Authorities gathered Saturday, the first day of the exercise, to coordinate plans, focusing on evacuation strategies to avoid loss of human life and ways to diminish economic damage to buildings and infrastructure.
 
 The hurricane season runs from June to November in Cuba. The island's top meteorologist, Jose Rubiera, has reported there will be some 13 tropical storms forming in the Atlantic this year, with seven of them being potential hurricanes and at least one of those likely to hit Cuba.
 -30-

[bellagio]

Following on to that post Steve.   Would you think that the hotels have contingency plans in case of a hurricane?
 
 It disturbed me considerably to read the reviews of Secrets Excellence, a 5 star resort in the DR, which was hit quite badly by Hurricane Frances I believe.
 
 It was utter chaos there, even the reps discarded their uniforms so they would not be pestered by guests, the management was noticeable by it's absence, the bars were raided and no evacuation plan was in force at all.

[flopnfly]

Great article Steve, thanks for posting it.

[Steve_YYZ]

Well Bellagio, while I can't speak about the DR, or Cuba by personal experience, in past occurances the Cubans have done very well.
 
 Last year, in co-operation with the various travel companies, people were evacuated from Cuba before Earl or Ivan got to Cuba. While some people complained about having their vacation time cut short, at least the planning and evac seemed to be quite complete. I can't speak to non-Canadian travel firms however.
 
 Also in relation to the DR, remember that Cuba is so much bigger that a storm can affect one end of the island, and be 800 to 1000 kilometres away from the other end. With the DR, the whole island generally gets hit.
 
 While we can always pray and hope for minimal damage to Cuba, it's also wise to remember that nothing much matters in the face of Mother Nature's fury. Not much is left standing after a force 5 hurricane.
 
 Steve

[Tuss]

Last year at the Sol Cayo Largo i found a pamphlet in my room titled "what to do in case of hurricane".  It outlined the hotels emergency plan in case of a hurricane.  It was very detailed and complete.

[flopnfly]

I agree with Steve, the travel companies are usually on top of things.  
 
 I might have all my facts wrong here, but I believe that last year Lesab33 was booked to go to Cuba.  Word came out that the hurricane was due to hit Cuba, so the tour company moved her to Punta Cana.  
 
 The hurricane missed Cuba, but directly hit Punta Cana and Les ended up spending a whole night riding out the storm.  
 
 My point is that the tour companies meant well by moving them all to the DR.  At least they made some effort, but even they can't second guess Mother Nature.
 
 Heather

[Bulldog]

Mother Nature, now there is a strange Lady indeed   :D