Hurricane Ian: UNICEF Cuba ready to support the country's response to care for children, adolescents and families

Havana, September 29.- After its devastating passage through Cuba, with maximum sustained winds of 127 miles per hour and abundant rainfall, Hurricane Ian left a desolate landscape in the provinces of Pinar del Río, Artemisa and the Isle of Youth special municipality, and significant damage in the province of La Habana.

So far, 4 deaths and more than 50,000 evacuees have been reported in Pinar del Río alone. In 7 hours, the hurricane caused serious damage to the main and secondary water supply networks, as well as to water supply systems in several municipalities.

Reports of the hurricane’s impact include partial and total collapse of several thousand homes, damage to the roofs and infrastructure of public institutions, fallen trees, damage to the country's electricity supply, flooding in low-lying areas, as well as extensive damage to agriculture.

According to preliminary figures provided by the Cuban government, of the 700 schools reported with damages, about 400 are in Pinar del Río, a territory where 64% of its educational facilities were affected. Damages are concentrated in the detachment of coverings, light roofs and carpentry.

The municipalities reporting more damage to their schools are Consolación del Sur, San Luis, San Juan and Pinar del Río.

In the current hurricane season, which is more active than in previous years, UNICEF Cuba will continue to work in coordination with national and local authorities to support hurricane preparedness and response efforts and public health responses through actions in the education, nutrition, protection, water, hygiene and sanitation sectors.

It will also continue to promote messages through its digital platforms to prepare the population for the occurrence of natural disasters and to offer tools to families so that they can provide socioemotional support to children and adolescents.