• Submitted by: manso
• Society
• 07 / 13 / 2011

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2011.07.12 - 14:56:13 / radiorebelde.icrt.cu. Pinar del Rio. CUBA.-  Being a frequent target of hurricanes, prevention and information systems to lessen the effects of such natural phenomena have been improved particularly in the westernmost province of the country, Pinar del Rio.

In addition to nine risk management centers, 48 early warning posts have been activated in the same number of towns which have the mission of keeping locals informed in the face of an imminent danger and support the Council of Defense’s actions.

The posts were set up in vulnerable sites to hurricanes and other weather phenomena. They are equipped with communication technology that enables them to be in contact with the rest of the province under adverse circumstances, Civil Defense sources told PL.

The project is still on the development process and it is financed by Cuba and the United Nations Development Program.

Since 1900 to the present, nearly 150 tropical systems have hit Pinar del Rio, most them in August, September or October.

One of the most recent hurricanes that crossed the area was Gustav, 2008, bringing world record gusts of up to 340 KM/H, which broke a wind gauge located in the town of Paso Real de San Diego.

Updating the local meteorological network is one of the guarantees to face the onoign hurricane season from June 1 through November 30.

“We have the necessary technology and qualified staff,” assured Carmen Rosa Montano, director of the Provincial Meteorological Center. (ACN)