In response to the looming threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, authorities have ordered the evacuation of inmates from the Aguadores Penitentiary in Santiago de Cuba.
According to official statements from the Cuban Ministry of the Interior (MININT), prisoners will be temporarily relocated to other detention facilities within Santiago municipality that offer enhanced security measures. This relocation will last until the storm subsides, as per the information provided by the Interior Ministry.
The official announcement emphasized that this step is taken "to provide greater protection for inmates" and aligns with the primary role of Civil Defense, which includes implementing preventive evacuations and ensuring public calm by continuously updating the citizens.
The communication highlights the possible path of Hurricane Melissa through eastern Cuba and operationally notes the waiting period "until the tropical storm passes," referring to the monitored cyclonic system.
The temporary relocation of Aguadores' prison population aims to mitigate risks associated with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential infrastructure damage due to worsening weather conditions. This is in line with disaster reduction plans established for sensitive facilities.
The report indicates that the top priority is to ensure the safety of individuals and maintain order, with transfers to sites deemed safer within the municipality.
Melissa became a hurricane this past Saturday afternoon. The deputy director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that due to its current characteristics and extremely slow movement, the storm poses a threat to areas within its projected path, particularly Jamaica, and could rapidly intensify in the coming hours. "The situation is becoming increasingly serious," he cautioned.
The latest update indicates that the slow movement will persist for three to four days, with a gradual westward turn expected between today and tonight, along with a rapid intensification process that could elevate it to a major hurricane status by tomorrow. It is expected to approach Jamaica between Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Subsequently, the NHC projects Melissa to head towards western Cuba by Wednesday, and then possibly towards the Turks and Caicos or the southern Bahamas, remaining a powerful hurricane.
Hurricane Melissa: Safety Measures and Projected Path
Why are inmates being evacuated from Aguadores Penitentiary?
Inmates are being evacuated to ensure their safety due to the threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, which could bring strong winds and heavy rain that might damage infrastructure.
What measures are being taken to protect the public during Hurricane Melissa?
Civil Defense is implementing preventive evacuations and maintaining public calm through continuous updates, ensuring safety and order during the hurricane.
What is the projected path of Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa is expected to move slowly westward over the next few days, potentially intensifying into a major hurricane before approaching Jamaica and then heading towards western Cuba and possibly the Turks and Caicos or southern Bahamas.