Hurricane Rafael Causes Widespread Damage in Cuba

Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, has devastated western Cuba, particularly impacting Havana and the provinces of Artemisa, Mayabeque, and Pinar del Río. The hurricane caused widespread destruction, collapsing 471 homes and buildings in Havana alone, with 77% of cell clients in the affected areas losing service. In Artemisa, significant infrastructure damage was reported, including the destruction of hospitals and schools, and flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rains. Alacranes experienced severe flooding, leading to the evacuation of over 3,400 residents as local authorities struggled to cope with the aftermath. The storm also severely affected agricultural fields, threatening food supplies in the region. Cuban activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia is raising funds to support families left homeless, highlighting the personal toll of the disaster amidst the broader devastation.