Ida as it approached the Isle of Youth. August 27, 2021.

Havana, August (RHC)—Cuba meteorological authorities announced that Ida became a category one hurricane Friday afternoon before making landfall at Punta del Este at the Isle of Youth after 2 pm local time.

It arrived on Cuban territory with sustained  120 kph winds and higher gusts and kept moving northwest at 24 kph.

Earlier in the day, the Civil Defense called for extreme precautions.

Major General Ramón Pardo Guerra, head of the National Civil Defense General Staff, called for extreme measures to protect the population and the economy, particularly in the western region, where the danger of the passage of  Ida was imminent.

While heading a meeting of the Direction Center of the National Defense Council for Disaster Cases,  Pardo Guerra pointed out that in view of the intense rains and strong winds associated with this atmospheric organism, it is necessary to pay attention to the situation of the vulnerable zones, of the reservoirs or dams and of the agricultural plantations.

He expressed that in the provinces of Havana, Pinar del Río, Artemisa, and Mayabeque and in the Special Municipality of Isla de la Juventud, territories in a cyclonic alert phase since 9:00 am this Friday, actions should also be extended to the protection of houses, farmhouses, and other facilities, with emphasis on the preservation of human lives.

He warned that we are just entering the strongest stage of the current hurricane season, scheduled to last until November, so factors such as the impact of winds, rains, and sea penetrations associated with the passage of a hurricane, should be taken into account when making plans for this type of contingency.