DHA-GENEVA 93/0215
CUBA - FLOODS
DHA-GENEVA INFORMATION REPORT NO.1
4 JUNE 1993
SITUATION
1. THREE DAYS OF TORRENTIAL RAIN, FROM 31 MAY TO 2 JUNE 1993 FELL IN THE EASTERN PROVINCES OF CUBA, CAUSING SEVERE FLOODING.
IMPACT
2. THE RAINS HAVE LEFT 7 PERSONS DEAD AND 5 MISSING. 40,000 PERSONS HAVE BEEN EVACUATED FROM THE AFFECTED AREA, WHERE 1,860 HOUSES ARE REPORTED TO BE TOTALLY DESTROYED AND 16,500 ARE DAMAGED.
3. IN ADDITION 87 PRODUCTION CENTRES HAVE BEEN DAMAGED AND THE SUGAR CANE HARVEST IN ITS FINAL PHASE WAS PARALYSED IN THE REGION. (SUGAR PRODUCTION IN THE WESTERN PART OF CUBA WAS HIT BY THE TROPICAL STORM IN MARCH). LOSSES OF OTHER CROPS ARE REPORTED ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE NOT SO FAR BEEN QUANTIFIED.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
4. NATIONAL RELIEF SERVICES ARE USING ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES TO RESCUE TRAPPED PERSONS AND THE CIVIL DEFENCE HAS BEEN MOBILIZED.
5. THE GOVERNMENT OF CUBA HAS SO FAR NOT REQUESTED INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS-GENEVA
TELEPHONE NO: +41-22-917.12.34
EMERGENCY TEL.NO. (OUTSIDE WORKING HOURS): +41-22-917.20.10
DESK OFFICER: J. DE RIVERO. TEL 917 35
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PRESS TO CONTACT UNDRO SPOKESPERSON: M. KHATIB, TEL: 917 28 56
TELEX: 414242 DHA
FAX: +41-22-917.00.23