Havana, January 17 (RHC)-- Rainfall in Cuba has surpassed the historical average for the second consecutive year in 2018 with 1,471 millimeters (mm), specialized press media reported on Wednesday. 

About 1,738 mm of rain (121 percent) fell in the western region, while 1,483.8 mm (113 percent) and 1,225.6 mm (96 percent) were reported in the central and eastern regions, respectively, according to Argelio Fernandez, specialist of the Office of Rational Use of Water of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH).

According to the expert, about 1,442.3 mm, for 108 percent of what should regularly rain, fell in the 11 national hydrographic basin.

The average rainfall was above normal in 59 municipalities of the country and none were below 50 percent.

By late 2018, the 242 dams administered by the INRH stored about 6,717 million cubic meters of water, representing 73 percent of their total capacity, with a usable portion of 6,046 million cubic meters (71 percent).