By María Josefina Arce
As of today, Meteoro 2023, an annual exercise carried out by the Civil Defense to prepare its members and the population in general for different disaster situations, is taking place throughout the Cuban territory.
This exercise is usually carried out prior to the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30 and is a threat to Caribbean nations.
Although this year's cyclonic activity forecast for the North Atlantic is normal to not very active, it is necessary to be prepared and alert to minimize damage in all areas.
Hence the importance of Meteoro, which seeks to enhance the response to any meteorological phenomenon, but also to events of other kinds, such as those of health and technological origin.
Therefore, it is also a priority to seek solutions to a possible increase in the levels of infestation of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue fever and has a greater incidence in the summer months.
The exercise will make it possible to update disaster risk reduction plans and review rescue and rescue resources for a rapid response to any event and subsequent recovery.
This exercise, which emphasizes the preservation of the population's safety and the economy's resources, has been carried out in Cuba since 1986.
Citizens actively participate in Meteoro, which develops actions for the reduction of risks and vulnerabilities in communities, economic and social entities and in environmental sanitation and hygiene tasks.
All state agencies and institutions are also present. The participation of the Meteorological Institute, which constantly monitors the various meteorological phenomena, is also vital.
Meteoro is a unique experience in Cuba and as time went by it extended its duration from one day to a weekend and broadened its objectives to cover all possible disaster threats.
This exercise has demonstrated its value and the rigorous preparation of our Civil Defense, whose actions have been recognized by international organizations and served as an example for other nations.
