Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has urged to speed up recovery in the territories affected by Hurricane Ian

Havana, Feb 4 (RHC) Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has urged to speed up recovery in the territories affected by Hurricane Ian, which hit western Cuba in September 2022.

The Presidency Press Office reported on Saturday that during a meeting to assess the progress of the recovery with the governors of Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, Havana, and Mayabeque, the Head of State pointed to the shortage of materials and subjective causes, as difficulties slowing down recovery work.

In Pinar del Rio, the province hardest hit by the hurricane, 18 water supply sources are still paralyzed.

In agriculture, actions continue to recover facilities giving priority to tobacco houses, of which more than 1,700 are being restored.

The greatest challenge in this territory is in the housing recovery. Restoration is at 21 percent, although progress has been made in the reopening of 245 schools, 132 health facilities, and 352 commercial centers.

Over 80,000 homes were destroyed or heavily damaged by, Ian.

Among the possible causes of the delays, Diaz-Canel pointed out that the necessary materials are not available in the territory and that more than 2,000 people who already have the resources have not yet begun restoration work.

Last September 27, Hurricane Ian hit western Cuba causing heavy material losses mainly in housing, agriculture, electricity, and telecommunications. (Prensa Latina)