ReliefWeb

DHA-GENEVA 93/0093
CUBA - TROPICAL STORM AND FLOODS
DHA-GENEVA SITUATION REPORT NO 1
17 MARCH 1993

GOVERNMENT OF CUBA REQUESTING INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE

SITUATION

1. ON 13 MARCH 1993 ONE OF THE MOST VIOLENT TROPICAL STORMS IN RECENT HISTORY WITH WINDS UP TO 160 KM/H AND WAVES OF UP TO 8 M HIT CUBA FROM PINAR DEL RIO IN THE WEST TO CIEGO DE AVILA AND CAMAGUEY IN CENTRAL CUBA. REPORTS INDICATE THAT EASTERN PROVINCES MAY ALSO HAVE BEEN FLOODED BY SEA WATER.

IMPACT

2. THE DEATH TOLL STANDS AT 4, WITH 100 INJURED AND 150,000 PERSONS AFFECTED, OVER 30 PERCENT IN HAVANA ALONE. 1,500 HOUSES TOTALLY DESTROYED AND 37,000 PARTIALLY DESTROYED WITH TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PERSONS IN TEMPORARY SHELTERS. 3,500 SERVICE NETWORKS INCLUDING DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION, FOOD STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION DISABLED. MOST SEVERELY AFFECTED ARE STAPLE FOOD CROPS OF BANANA, VEGETABLES, POTATOES, CASSAVA AND EXPORT CROPS OF TOBACCO AND CITRUS FRUITS. PORT AREA OF HAVANA INCLUDING MOST STORAGE FACILITIES SEVERELY DAMAGED.

NATIONAL RESPONSE

3. NATIONAL RELIEF SERVICES MAKING GREAT EFFORTS TO PROVIDE RELIEF AND MAINTAIN BASIC FOOD SUPPLIES AND WATER TO POPULATION WITH THE USE OF LARGE AMPHIBIAN VEHICLES.

COUNTRY LEVEL INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

4. UNITED NATIONS DISASTER MANAGEMENT TEAM HELD MEETING ON 14 MARCH WITH OFFICIALS OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL CIVIL DEFENCE AND VISITED SOME OF THE AFFECTED AREAS IN HAVANA. THE VISITS CONTINUED ON 15 MARCH TO GET FULLER PICTURE OF SITUATION IN COUNTRYSIDE. ON 14 MA RCH, IN HAVANA ALONE UN DMT WITNESSED SCENES OF SEVERE HUMAN SUFFERING AS A RESULT OF SEA FLOODING IN STREETS FOR OVER 30 HOURS. AT MATERNITY HOSPITAL IN HAVANA, ALL PATIENTS HAD BEEN EVACUATED AND ENTIRE STOCK OF ANTIBIOTICS AND VACCINES WAS LOST AS WELL AS ALL FOOD STORES, BLOOD BANK AND LABORATORY FACILITIES. EMERGENCY POWER PLANT, ALL TRANSFORMERS AND MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP SEVERELY DAMAGED. IN AGRICULTURAL AREAS FOOD SUPPLIES WERE DEVASTATED.

5. GOVERNMENT OF CUBA IS REQUESTING INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE PRIMARILY IN THREE AREAS:

FOOD AID

FOR 150,000 PERSONS AFFECTED FOR AT LEAST 100 DAYS:

HEALTH NEEDS

URGENT SUPPLY OF ANTIBIOTICS, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICAMENTS, ANALGESICS. MINISTRY OF HEALTH WILL PROVIDE MORE SPECIFIC DATA ON REQUIREMENTS.

AGRICULTURE

PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES AND FERTILIZERS ARE REQUIRED. ASSESSMENT OF LOSSES AND NEEDS IS UNDER WAY AND MORE DETAILS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE WITHIN 48 HOURS.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

6. DHA-GENEVA IS MAKING EMERGENCY GRANT OF USD 25,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF EMERGENCY RELIEF SUPPLIES

7. CASH CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE CHANNELLED THROUGH DHA, SWISS BANK CORPORATION, CASE POSTALE 2770, CH-1211 GENEVA 2, ACCOUNT NO: CO-590.160.1, WITH MENTION: CUBA, TROPICAL STORM.

8. FOR COORDINATION PURPOSES, PLEASE INFORM DHA-GENEVA IMMEDIATELY AS INDICATED BELOW OF PLEDGES/CONTRIBUTIONS.

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: 917.3513
PRESS TO CONTACT UNDRO SPOKESPERSON: M. KHATIB, TEL: 917.2856
TELEX: 414242 DHA
FAX: +41-22-917.00.23
ELECTRONIC MAIL: DIALCOM 141:DHAGVA

DPR 310 CUB

DHA-GENEVA 93/0095

CUBA - TROPICAL STORM AND FLOODS
DHA-GENEVA SITUATION REPORT NO. 2
19 MARCH 1993

SITUATION

1. FOLLOWING THE VIOLENT TROPICAL STORM OF 13/14 MARCH 1993, GOVERNMENT OF CUBA HAS PROVIDED AN UPDATED ASSESSMENT OF THE DAMAGE CAUSED.

2. THE DEATH TOLL NOW STANDS AT 5, WITH 100 INJURED AND 150,000 PERSONS DIRECTLY AFFECTED OF WHOM 50,000 ARE STILL DISPLACED. SOME 3,300 SERVICE CENTRES, FACTORIES, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS AND SUPERMARKETS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL SERVICES REMAIN NON-OPERATIONAL. ELECTRICITY, WATER AND GAS SUPPLIES IN ADDITION TO THE TELEPHONE SERVICE ARE AFFECTED AND IN SOME CASES HAVE NOT YET BEEN RESTORED.

3. SEVERE DAMAGE TO STAPLE FOOD CROPS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED. FOR EXAMPLE, 5 MILLION BANANA TREES DESTROYED. TOTAL DAMAGE TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION ESTIMATED AT USD 210 MILLION (OF WHICH USD 200 MILLION IN BANANAS, USD 2 MILLION IN MANGOS, USD 1 MILLION IN AVOCADOS). LOSSES TO RELATED AGRICULTURAL SERVICES ESTIMATED AT USD 8.6 MILLION. LOSSES TO SUGAR INDUSTRY ASSESSED AT USD 46 MILLION.

4. PORT AREA OF HAVANA INCLUDING MOST STORAGE FACILITIES SEVERELY DAMAGED. LOSSES IN FISHING VESSELS, MATERIALS AND INSTALLATIONS ESTIMATED AT USD 3.5 MILLION.

NATIONAL RESPONSE

5. NATIONAL RELIEF SERVICES WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK WITH RELIEF EFFORTS AND DISTRIBUTION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND FOOD TO THE AFFECTED POPULATION.

COUNTRY LEVEL INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

6. GOVERNMENT OF CUBA CONVENED MEETING WITH UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES AND DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY IN CUBA TO INFORM OF UPDATED ASSESSMENT. UN/DHA RESIDENT COORDINATOR GAVE PRESENTATION AND DISTRIBUTED PHOTOGRAPHS OF AFFECTED AREAS. HEAD OF FAO OFFICE PROVIDED VIDEO FILM FOR SHOWING.

7. UPDATED LIST OF NEEDS

FOOD AID

FOR 150,000 PERSONS AFFECTED FOR AT LEAST 120 DAYS:

HEALTH NEEDS

URGENT SUPPLY OF ANTIBIOTICS, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICAMENTS, ANALGESICS. MINISTRY OF HEALTH WILL PROVIDE MORE SPECIFIC DATA ON REQUIREMENTS.

AGRICULTURE

URGENT REQUIREMENT FOR PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES AND FERTILIZERS.

HOUSING

CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL FOR ROOF REPAIRS.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

8. UNDP NEW YORK IS PROCESSING REQUEST FOR EMERGENCY GRANT OF USD 50,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF EMERGENCY RELIEF SUPPLIES.

9. INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT IS SENDING REPRESENTATIVE TO LIAISE WITH NATIONAL RED CROSS.

10. CASH CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE CHANNELLED THROUGH DHA, SWISS BANK CORPORATION, CASE POSTALE 2770, CH-1211 GENEVA 2, ACCOUNT NO: CO-590.160.1, WITH MENTION: CUBA, TROPICAL STORM.

8. FOR COORDINATION PURPOSES, PLEASE INFORM DHA-GENEVA IMMEDIATELY AS INDICATED BELOW OF PLEDGES/CONTRIBUTIONS.

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: 917.3513
TELEX: 414242 DHA
FAX: +41-22-917.00.23
ELECTRONIC MAIL: DIALCOM 141:DHAGVA

DPR 310 CUB

DHA-GENEVA 93/0096

CUBA - TROPICAL STORM AND FLOODS
DHA-GENEVA SITUATION REPORT NO 3
26 MARCH 1993

SITUATION

1. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISASTER STILL AFFECTING THE 150,000 PEOPLE WHO TOTALLY OR PARTIALLY LOST THEIR HOMES AND BELONGINGS. INDIRECTLY THE POPULATION IN GENERAL IS AFFECTED BY THE LOSS OF VITAL STAPLE FOOD CROPS, A TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF THE SUGAR CANE HARVEST, THE PARTIAL DESTRUCTION OF WAREHOUSES, INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATIONS AND AGRICULTURAL FACILITIES.

NATIONAL RESPONSE

2. THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES DISTRIBUTING FOOD TO POPULATION IN TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION AND THOSE WITHOUT COOKING FACILITIES. DUE TO SCARCITY OF LOCAL RESOURCES, NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF RATIONS IS INADEQUATE.

COUNTRY LEVEL INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

3. UNITED NATIONS DMT CONTINUING OBSERVATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS AND RECONFIRMS THAT FIRST PRIORITY NEED IS STILL FOOD, PARTICULARLY SKIMMED MILK POWDER, WHEAT FLOUR, BEANS AND VEGETABLE OIL. MEDICINES ARE ALSO URGENTLY NEEDED, INCLUDING ANTIBIOTICS, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS, ANALGESICS AND TRANQUILLIZERS.

4. WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME (WFP) MISSION FROM 26 TO 29 MARCH WILL EXAMINE WITH CUBAN AUTHORITIES THE MOST URGENT FOOD REQUIREMENTS OF THE AFFECTED POPULATION.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

5. CONTRIBUTIONS REPORTED TO DHA-GENEVA

6. CASH CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE CHANNELLED THROUGH DHA, SWISS BANK CORPORATION, CASE POSTALE 2770, CH-1211 GENEVA 2, ACCOUNT NO: CO-590 .160.1, WITH MENTION: CUBA, TROPICAL STORM.

8. FOR COORDINATION PURPOSES, PLEASE INFORM DHA-GENEVA IMMEDIATELY AS INDICATED BELOW OF PLEDGES/CONTRIBUTIONS.

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: +41-22-917.35.13
PRESS TO CONTACT DHA-GENEVA SPOKESPERSON: M. KHATIB, TEL:+41-22-917.28.56

TELEX: 414242 DHA
FAX: +41-22-917.00.23
ELECTRONIC MAIL: UNIENET DIALCOM 141:DHAGVA

DHA-GENEVA 93/0110

CUBA - TROPICAL STORM AND FLOODS
DHA-GENEVA SITUATION REPORT NO 4
6 APRIL 1993

SITUATION

1. THE NATIONAL AUTHORITIES CONTINUE WITH RELIEF EFFORTS, REPAIR OF HOUSING, AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES, ALTHOUGH STILL SEVERY HAMPERED BY LACK OF RESOURCES.

2. THE UNITED NATIONS COORDINATOR CONFIRMS THAT FIRST PRIORITY NEED IS STILL FOOD, PARTICULARLY SKIMMED MILK POWDER, WHEAT FLOUR, BEANS AND VEGETABLE OIL. MEDICINES ARE ALSO URGENTLY NEEDED, INCLUDING ANTIBIOTICS, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS, ANALGESICS AND TRANQUILLIZERS. FERTILIZERS AND PESTICIDES ARE STILL URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR AGRICULTURAL REHABILITATION.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

3. CONSOLIDATED LIST OF CONTRIBUTIONS REPORTED TO DHA-GENEVA

4. CASH CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE CHANNELLED THROUGH DHA, SWISS BANK CORPORATION, CASE POSTALE 2770, CH-1211 GENEVA 2, ACCOUNT NO: CO-590 .160.1, WITH MENTION: CUBA, TROPICAL STORM.

5. FOR COORDINATION PURPOSES, PLEASE INFORM DHA- GENEVA IMMEDIATELY AS INDICATED BELOW OF PLEDGES/CONTRIBUTIONS.

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: +41-22-917.35.13
PRESS TO CONTACT DHA-GENEVA SPOKESPERSON: MR. KHATIB,TEL: +41-22-917.28.56

TELEX: 414242 DHA
FAX: +41-22-917.00.23
ELECTRONIC MAIL: UNIENET DIALCOM 141:DHAGVA

DHA-GENEVA 93/0153

CUBA - TROPICAL STORM AND FLOODS
DHA-GENEVA SITUATION REPORT NO 5
27 APRIL 1993

SITUATION

1. NATIONAL AUTHORITIES CONTINUE WITH RELIEF AND REHABILITATION EFFORTS, HAMPERED BY CURRENT LIMITED RESOURCES. AFFECTED POPULATION, SUPPORTED BY NATIONAL PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND COMMUNITY LEADERS, RECONSTRUCTING HOMES WITH SCARCE MATERIALS AVAILABLE.

2. THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME HAS APPROVED A PROGRAMME OF FOOD AID FOR 150,000 PEOPLE FOR A PERIOD OF 90 DAYS. THE EMERGENCY OPERATION WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CUBAN STATE COMMITTEE OF ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND COVERS 5,400 MT WHEAT FLOUR, 405 MT PULSES AND 405 MT OF VEGETABLE OIL WITH A VALUE OF 2,315,601 US DOLLARS.

IMPACT

3. THE STORM AND SEA SURGE AFFECTED 8 OF CUBA'S 14 PROVINCES CAUSING TOTAL DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT OVER US 1 bilLION. FINAL CIVIL DEFENCE FIGURES STATE THAT 5 PERSONS DIED, 95 WERE INJURED AND 149,680 WERE AFFECTED. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY INCLUDED 37,885 HOMES OF WHICH 1,484 WERE DESTROYED. LOSS OF HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL ITEMS INCLUDING FAMILY FOOD STOCKS ESTIMATED AT US 50 MILLION.

4. SEVERE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO HEALTH FACILITIES, SCHOOLS AND ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE (MORE THAN 500 KM HV TRANSMISSION LINES INCLUDING TRANSFORMERS, PYLONS, POSTS), COMMUNICATIONS, ROADS AND TUNNELS.

5. DIRECT IMPACT ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND INSTALLATIONS ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN US 100 MILLION, FOLLOWING DEVASTATION OF FOOD AND CASH CROPS (PARTICULARLY BANANAS, FRUITS AND TOBACCO), AND DAMAGE TO 3,400 RURAL INSTALLATIONS, FACTORIES FOR ANIMAL FEED AND RE SEARCH CENTRES. IN ADDITION LOSSES TO SUGAR INDUSTRY ASSESSED AT OVER US 100 MILLION WITH WORK SUSPENDED IN 148 SUGAR FACTORIES AND 34 DEPOTS. DAMAGE CAUSED TO 5 PLANTS FOR SUGAR BYPRODUCTS, 63 WAREHOUSES, 152 WORKSHOPS, 56 AGRICULTURAL STORES AND 99 CAMPS FOR TE MPORARY LABOUR.

6. LOSSES OF US 4.35 MILLION REPORTED FOR FISHING INDUSTRY, INCLUDING US 1.6 MILLION IN DAMAGE TO TRAWLERS AND OTHER FISHING BOATS.

7. CONSOLIDATED LIST OF CONTRIBUTIONS REPORTED TO DHA-GENEVA

8. CASH CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE CHANNELLED THROUGH DHA, SWISS BANK CORPORATION, CASE POSTALE 2770, CH-1211 GENEVA 2, ACCOUNT NO: CO-590.160.1, WITH MENTION: CUBA, TROPICAL STORM.

9. THIS IS THE FINAL SITUATION REPORT ON THIS EMERGENCY UNLESS FURTHER SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS OCCUR.

10. FOR RECORDING PURPOSES, PLEASE CONTINUE TO INFORM DHA-GENEVA IMMEDIATELY AS INDICATED BELOW OF PLEDGES/CONTRIBUTIONS.

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: +41-22-917.35.13
PRESS TO CONTACT DHA-GENEVA SPOKESPERSON: M. KHATIB, TEL:+41-22-917.28.56

TELEX: 414242 DHA
FAX: +41-22-917.00.23
ELECTRONIC MAIL: UNIENET DIALCOM 141: DHAGVA