The Cuban government has released information regarding the destruction caused by the tornado that struck the municipality of Güira de Melena in Artemisa on Thursday. Although there were no human casualties or injuries reported, the tornado significantly affected crops and essential services, prompting renewed discussions about Cuba's readiness for natural disasters.
The twister occurred between 3:28 pm and 3:50 pm, triggered by severe local storms that developed due to daytime heating and the influence of a cold upper-level low south of the region. According to the Forecast Group of Artemisa from the Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET), the tornado originated in El Junco. It then moved through rural settlements including El Guayabo, La Cachimba, Pedro Díaz, and El Gabriel before dissipating.
Damage to Agriculture and Infrastructure
While the tornado passed through sparsely populated areas with low agricultural density, damage was reported in four hectares of banana plantations and one hectare of corn. Additionally, the water supply system in the town of La Cachimba was compromised due to the impact on a transformer bank. Thankfully, no human lives were lost, and no injuries were sustained.
Journalist Yarima Córdova Escobar from TV Artemisa noted that hailstorms also occurred in Alquízar, accompanied by heavy rain and gusty winds.
A Terrifying and Viral Spectacle
The powerful tornado, unusual in its orange hue, left residents both awestruck and fearful, describing the scene as "straight out of a horror movie." The event was extensively documented by locals and meteorologists, with images and videos quickly going viral. From various points in Güira de Melena to San Antonio de los Baños, many stopped their tractors and vehicles to watch and film the reddish dust whirlwind, which painted the sky a striking orange.
At 3:43 pm, a photo from a farm captured the tornado's formation, and seven minutes later, the INSMET National Radar Center issued an alert about strong storms in Artemisa, Pinar del Río, and Matanzas. The institution did not rule out severe events, confirming the atmospheric system's potential danger.
Meteorologist Henry Delgado Manzor, along with other experts and the page Aficionados a la Meteorología, confirmed the funnel's formation and explained that the orange color resulted from the vortex sucking up the region's red soil.
Is Cuba Ready for Such Events?
The Güira de Melena tornado, although brief and without tragic outcomes, has rekindled memories of the devastating tornado that hit Havana in January 2019 among Cubans. The shared scenes—dark skies, swirling vortexes, and stunned onlookers—have sparked a wave of questions about the country's meteorological preparedness.
Are rural Cuban communities adequately alerted and organized to face such magnitudes? Are there efficient evacuation plans? Is the infrastructure resilient enough to withstand increasingly frequent extreme winds due to climate change?
These questions are not new, but the sky delivered a loud message once again. Although no tragedy occurred this time, the warning was clear: nature is powerful and unpredictable, and preparation is an urgent necessity rather than a luxury. The images of the tornado are already circulating both within and outside Cuba as a visual warning of the climate's force and the country's vulnerability to extreme events.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tornado Preparedness in Cuba
What caused the tornado in Güira de Melena?
The tornado was caused by severe local storms triggered by daytime heating and the influence of a cold upper-level low south of the region.
Were there any casualties or injuries from the tornado?
No, there were no reported casualties or injuries from the tornado in Güira de Melena.
What areas were affected by the tornado?
The tornado affected the rural settlements of El Guayabo, La Cachimba, Pedro Díaz, and El Gabriel, and caused damage to four hectares of banana plantations and one hectare of corn.