Hurricane Rafael Aftermath: Devastation in Cuba and Transition to Gulf

Hurricane Rafael has weakened to a Category 2 storm as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico following severe damage across Cuba, where it knocked out power and displaced thousands. The hurricane is moving toward Mexico, with warnings about hazardous surf conditions as recovery efforts in Cuba take shape.

Hurricane Rafael has transitioned to a Category 2 storm as it continues to traverse the Gulf of Mexico after wreaking havoc in Cuba. On Wednesday, this powerful hurricane made landfall, bringing with it destructive winds that resulted in the loss of the country’s power grid and the collapse of hundreds of homes. The hurricane was last reported to be positioned 230 miles north-northeast of Progreso, Mexico, with sustained winds reaching 110 mph. As the storm progresses, it is forecasted to weaken while moving westward toward Mexico, although it poses risks for life-threatening surf and rip currents. Having impacted Jamaica and the Cayman Islands earlier, Rafael directed its fury towards Cuba, leading to significant devastation. The storm caused the evacuation of approximately 283,000 residents, left numerous houses damaged or destroyed, and cluttered the streets with debris. Although recovery efforts are underway, with power restored to roughly 143,000 homes in Havana, many citizens continue to grapple with outages in the aftermath of this catastrophic weather event. The hurricane follows a tumultuous time for Cuba, which has been contending with energy crises resulting in widespread blackouts.

Hurricane Rafael developed and rapidly intensified within a tumultuous hurricane season, affecting several Caribbean islands before making its way to Cuba. The cyclone’s impact was exacerbated by pre-existing challenges faced by Cuba, including a struggling energy infrastructure and prior blackouts across the region. The severity of Rafael’s winds and subsequent damages underscore the increasing vulnerability of Caribbean nations to storms of this nature, particularly as climate change alters weather patterns, resulting in more intense and frequent hurricanes.

In conclusion, Hurricane Rafael has demonstrated significant destructive capabilities throughout its course, particularly evidenced by its impact on Cuba, where thousands were evacuated, and homes were demolished. While the storm is expected to diminish over the coming days, recovery efforts will likely take time, as many are still without basic utilities and facing the aftermath of such an intense weather event. The lingering effects of Rafael highlight the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in hurricane-prone regions.

Original Source: apnews.com