The eight municipalities of Las Tunas province are undertaking intensive preparations for the imminent approach of Hurricane Melissa, Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- Evacuation to shelter centers has begun in Puerto Padre; among them, the Josefa Agüero semi-boarding school, where residents of the Pozo Prieto community are already protected. This territory has nearly 20 facilities equipped for such purposes.

The Jesús Menéndez Municipal Defense Council emphasized the preparation of four evacuation centers, the sale of food in communities, and the provision of fuel for generators in health institutions. The president of this body, Yosmel Duany Álvarez, stressed the importance of these measures for guaranteeing basic services in the 12 defense zones.

In Manatí, the president of the Provincial Defense Council met with local authorities and visited the agricultural market, the Gregorio Careaga Medina Polytechnic -now an evacuation center, and the Commerce Company to evaluate the implementation of established protocols.

In Amancio, the president of the Municipal Defense Council, Alfredo Fidel González Escobar, along with vice president Maikel Padrón Acevedo, toured the Juan Manuel Ameijeiras evacuation center, which is already protecting approximately 30 people from the town of San Alberto. During the meeting with evacuees, they inquired about the food and protection needs of children and the elderly, and recommended recreational activities for the youngest members of the family. It was also learned that 47 families with 116 people, including 15 children, are sheltering in private homes.

Meanwhile, in the capital municipality, district delegates are visiting vulnerable cases as part of the measures adopted. Workers of the ETECSA Territorial Division are also ensuring the telecommunications services to keep the population informed.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel, during the expanded meeting of the National Defense Council, reiterated that the protection of human lives is paramount. "The Revolution leaves no one behind," he asserted, and emphasized that "resources cannot be spared to protect people."

(With information by Rosa María Ramírez, Misara Cruz, Luis Enrique Escobar, and Niria Cardoso.)