Collection of fallen branches in the capital's avenue.
Photo: Archivo/Tribuna de La Habana

Havana, March 24 (RHC)-- Recovery work in Cuba's western provinces continues on Sunday after the scourge of severe local storms that caused flooding and damage to electricity services.

Due to the persistent rainfall, total and partial collapse of houses, fallen poles, destroyed farm houses, flooded fields and swollen rivers are reported.

The President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, stated the day before that immediate recovery actions should focus on the collection of debris, restoring water and electricity supply, as well as providing processed food for those territories that remain without electricity.

During a meeting with authorities in Havana, the head of state insisted on the need to update disaster reduction plans.

The Committees for the Defense of the Revolution and the Federation of Cuban Women informed that they will start collecting donations such as food, toiletries, household items, clothing, footwear and other resources that will contribute to the recovery of the affected families.

Teams of electrical workers from all over the country were sent to the Cuban capital, the territory that suffered the greatest damage, to help in the reestablishment of the service.
Preliminarily, it is estimated that 26 buildings have collapsed, 148 people have been sheltered in state-run centers and 762 citizens have been evacuated in the homes of relatives and friends.

The most affected municipalities are Boyeros, Diez de Octubre, Cotorro, San Miguel del Padrón, Arroyo Naranjo, Cerro and La Lisa.   (Source: Prensa Latina)