For the second time in two weeks, the entire island of Cuba is plunged into darkness as Hurricane Rafael wreaks havoc on its western farmlands, leaving destruction in its wake.
After the Category 3 storm passed through overnight, information was scarce as Rafael weakened while moving towards the Gulf of Mexico, according to the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Rafael’s powerful winds posed a significant threat to Cuba, with forecasts warning of “life-threatening” storm surges and floods in a country already vulnerable due to its aging infrastructure.
In Havana, residents ventured out to assess the aftermath as streets remained relatively dry following Rafael’s path just west of the city, impacting vital tobacco-growing regions.
People drive along a road littered with fallen power lines after the passing of Hurricane Rafael in San Antonio de los Banos, Cuba, November 7. [Ramon Espinosa/AP]
Farmers scrambled to protect their crops and stored goods from Rafael’s wrath while Havana remained deserted with closed businesses and schools slowly reopening.
Flight operations were halted at major airports like Jose Marti International Airport and Varadero beach resort as authorities assessed damages caused by the storm.
In a heartbreaking scene, José Ignacio Dimas returned home only to find his apartment building collapsed due to age-related structural issues exacerbated by Rafael’s fury.
Post from www.aljazeera.com
