Official mourning is observed in Cuba from 6:00 a.m. today until midnight on May 14. The Cuban flag will be flown at half-mast in public buildings and military institutions during its term.

Havana, Cuba.- An official communiqué said yesterday evening that the Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared the grief "due to the deep sorrow of our people in the face of the unfortunate accident that occurred at the Saratoga Hotel on May 6."

The decision was taken after the rescue operations in the vicinity of the damaged hotel were concluded on Thursday afternoon, when the lifeless body of the last person identified as missing after the explosion was found.

The head of the Fire Department of the Republic of Cuba, Colonel Luis Carlos Guzmán, said "up to this minute, this is the last person missing." The cleaning and retrieving of the debris work in the area will continue.

A total of 45 people died as a result of the accident, including a Spanish citizen, and almost a hundred were injured.

Search and rescue operations took place non-stop since last Friday. National and provincial top authorities - headed by the President - followed it daily, ensuring all affected by the tragedy received proper relief.

The Cuban people have expressed deep sadness and showed their solidarity with gestures, from record-high blood donations, volunteering on the disaster site, feeding the crews, or providing articles.

With information by Radio Havana Cuba