Santi Spíritus, May 29 (RHC)-- The Chief of Cuba´s National Civil Defense urged the population of the Island´s central provinces to adopt extreme security measures and protect themselves from the risks resulting from the heavy rains that have swept the region.

Major General Ramón Pardo Guerra toured the central province of Sancti Spiritus where torrential rains associated to subtropical storm Alberto have caused flooding, damage on roads, bridges and other infrastructure, as well as the evacuation of thousands of people.

Meanwhile, the authorities of Villa Clara province ordered the closure of traffic through the Autopista Nacional, the island´s motorway, due to flooding caused by the rain. Passenger buses and train transportation from Havana eastwards have been suspended until further notice.

Over 16.000 people have been evacuated in 13 municipalities of Villa Clara province, where 64 houses have collapsed and 138 others have sustained important damages.

In Matanzas, 6,000 people have been evacuated.