The activation of the Provincial Defense Council (CDP, in Spanish) was the first step at the start of Meteoro 2025, when the activities to be carried out on Saturday and Sunday were outlined.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- Among the issues discussed by the CDP were the characteristics of the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, and the potential impact it could have on the country, as well as the reservoirs’ estate, the hydrometeorological and epidemiological situations in the eight municipalities.
On Sunday, practical training activities were held to address the identified disaster risks and test the forces and resources for response and recovery, led by professionals from state entities along with the population.
The beverages and soft drink bottling business unit served as the stage for an ammonia leak drill, which demonstrated the effectiveness of the plan designed to deal with a disaster of this type, as well as the actions to protect the population living in the surrounding areas.
Professionals from the Doctor Ernesto Guevara de la Serna General Teaching Hospital demonstrated their protocols for the mass reception of injured patients, who can be treated in a large service area of 18 rooms, 13 of which are active and ready to receive these cases, besides a ward for treating burn patients.
Osbel Lorenzo Rodríguez, president of the CDP, attended each of the exercises, accompanied by the vice president, Yelenys Tornet Menéndez, who outlined the most important issues that must be taken into account in plans to address the danger of disasters. The conclusions highlighted the completion of planned activities, which allowed for the identification of some shortcomings, such as achieving greater participation of state and non-state entities and the community in vulnerability reduction activities.
Cleaning and clearing actions should be conducted on canals and ditches. Additionally, these should be widened, and culverts and nearby bridges should be cleaned regularly. It is also important to continue preparing the population and workers for disaster prevention efforts, with a strong emphasis on prioritizing life and safety.
The CDP vice president emphasized that "We must address all the identified weaknesses, complete practical actions such as cutting down trees, and improve ditches to avoid flooding during the rainy months.
"We have no experience with receiving injured people in accidents involving more than 25; therefore, it is our responsibility to prepare frequently in case we experience an event of this magnitude."
On the other hand, Lorenzo Rodríguez emphasized the need to seek more lasting solutions. "We have to work with systems, not dates, and provide explanations. That is the most important thing; people must feel and know that we can provide solutions to their problems.
"It is our responsibility to conduct more comprehensive exercises and be prepared for the worst scenario. The difference between an exercise and practical life is evident."
It was also reported that the Municipal Defense Councils carried out the planned exercises regarding sanitation and practical actions.
