Hurricane Rafael Exerts Devastating Impact on Cuba and Moves Through Gulf of Mexico
Hurricane Rafael, now a Category 2 storm, has severely impacted Cuba, knocking out power and collapsing homes. After striking the Caribbean earlier, it is now moving through the Gulf of Mexico, where it is expected to weaken but may still pose dangers due to hazardous surf conditions. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with authorities restoring power to some areas, though many remain affected by outages.
Hurricane Rafael has transitioned to a Category 2 hurricane as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico after making landfall in Cuba. The storm, which struck Cuba with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph, has severely impacted the country by knocking out power and causing the collapse of hundreds of homes. By Friday morning, Rafael was situated 230 miles north-northeast of Progreso, Mexico, and although it is anticipated to weaken, forecasters warn of hazardous surf and rip currents along the Gulf coast. Prior to its arrival in Cuba, Hurricane Rafael had already caused damage in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, resulting in mudslides and power outages. The hurricane made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday evening, leading to the evacuation of over 283,000 residents and leaving a trail of destruction across flooded streets with fallen trees and power lines. Although authorities managed to restore electricity to approximately 143,000 homes in Havana, many citizens continue to grapple with power outages due to systemic energy issues on the island. The Cuban Prime Minister has highlighted the ongoing energy crisis, marking Rafael’s arrival as particularly challenging following recent island-wide blackouts. The storm has compounded the hardships faced by the Cuban population, many of whom were already suffering from the previous hurricane that claimed lives and wreaked havoc on infrastructure and safety. As Rafael meanders through the Gulf, it is projected to continue moving westward towards Mexico in the forthcoming days, with the National Hurricane Center ensuring there are no active hurricane warnings at this time. Despite expectations of weakening, caution is advised due to potential swell effects along the Gulf coast that could pose dangers for residents and mariners alike.
Hurricane Rafael’s recent impact in the Caribbean and its subsequent journey through the Gulf of Mexico has raised significant concerns about the vulnerabilities of island nations to extreme weather events. Historically, hurricanes frequently affect Caribbean countries, often exacerbating existing socio-economic challenges. The power outages and structural damage caused by Rafael exemplify the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in regions prone to natural disasters. Additionally, the systematic energy crisis in Cuba complicates recovery efforts and highlights the ongoing struggle faced by citizens in the aftermath of such storms.
Hurricane Rafael has left a significant mark on Cuba, with its powerful winds leading to widespread destruction and power outages. The storm’s aftermath has revealed the vulnerability of the island’s infrastructure, exacerbated by ongoing energy crises. As Rafael continues to weaken over the Gulf of Mexico, the focus shifts to recovery efforts and the lessons learned from this natural disaster to better prepare for future hurricanes.
Original Source: apnews.com
