Today, social media users are reporting that prepared food is being sold in various municipalities of Granma province as a precautionary measure against Hurricane Melissa, which is already causing rain and flooding in eastern Cuba.
"The sale of prepared food is increasing in Bayamo. We remain ready and alert as Melissa approaches," Yanetsy Rodríguez Sampson shared on Facebook, along with images of food sales and distribution points in the provincial capital.
In Niquero, communicator Luis Verdecia Ovalle highlighted similar initiatives on the same platform, showing the establishment of food stalls for the public, accompanied by photos of local workers stocking these centers.
These social media posts are part of a local government campaign to ensure access to essential goods amidst ongoing power outages and logistical challenges exacerbated by severe weather.
Residents in areas like Bayamo and Manzanillo report power outages since the early morning and difficulties receiving timely updates.
The initiative follows an acknowledgment from Yudelkis Ortiz, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Granma, who admitted that "insufficient measures" are being taken in anticipation of the storm's imminent impact.
"During our rounds, we observe areas lacking a sense of prevention, readiness, and immediate action. We are communicating with those responsible to act promptly. The forecasts are unfavorable, and we must act swiftly. Prevention is the art of saving lives," she posted on Facebook.
Hurricane Melissa continues to impact eastern Cuba with heavy rain and flood risks, prompting authorities to urge the populace to stay vigilant and take extreme precautions.
Meteorologist José Rubiera reported on Saturday that Melissa has become a hurricane, gaining strength rapidly over the warm Caribbean waters and showing clear signs of internal organization.
He warned that the danger is increasing for Cuba's eastern region between Tuesday and Wednesday, with very strong rains expected to start earlier, intense winds, and dangerous swells on the southern coast, eventually affecting the northern coast as well as the system moves toward the Atlantic.
The National Civil Defense Headquarters has declared an Alert Phase for the provinces of Camagüey, Las Tunas, Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo effective from 3:00 p.m. this Saturday, due to the storm's progression, intensification, and likely path.
In response, Joel Queipo Ruiz, the first secretary of the PCC in Holguín, affirmed that the province is preparing "for the worst-case scenario" as Melissa's impending impact threatens to disrupt the National Electric System.
FAQs About Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Granma
What measures are being taken in Granma to prepare for Hurricane Melissa?
In Granma, authorities are increasing the sale of prepared food and setting up distribution points to ensure access to essential goods. They are also urging residents to remain vigilant and ready for the impending storm.
What has been the response of the Communist Party in Granma to the hurricane threat?
Yudelkis Ortiz, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Granma, acknowledged that not enough measures were initially taken and has urged immediate action and preparation to mitigate the storm's impact.
How is Hurricane Melissa expected to affect eastern Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring very strong rains, intense winds, and dangerous coastal swells, particularly affecting the southern and eventually northern coasts as it moves toward the Atlantic.