Havana, August 18 (RHC) -- Cuba’s National Forecast Center plans to teach the Pacific region how to handle extreme weather conditions.

“Small islands need to improve their systems, meteorological systems, weather stations, satellites, radars, and they have to use these tools in the forecast and exchange of information,” according to Dr. Jose Rubiera, director of the Center.

Cuba will share its expertise at the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Samoa next month. Dr. Rubiera said he hopes to convince Pacific leaders to invest more money in meteorological equipment, as this would pay off in the long term.

Cuba introduced major changes to its cyclone preparedness and response system after Hurricane Flora killed more than 1,200 people in 1963. According to Dr. Rubiera, Cuba now takes a lead role in teaching other small islands how to reduce the impact of extreme weather events.