Plan of Action - United Nations System in Cuba: Hurricane Oscar Response (Summary) October 2024

Overview
In the midst of a complex national energy situation, Hurricane Oscar made landfall on October 20 in eastern Cuba, affecting Guantánamo especially hard with winds of up to 130 km/h and rains that reached 600 mm in some areas. Nearly 150,000 people have critical needs, mainly in the municipalities of Baracoa, Maisí, Imías and San Antonio del Sur. There are seven confirmed deaths. The widespread floods are hindering rescue efforts and access to drinking water, food and health services. Furthermore, the lack of electricity is affecting communications and emergency response.

The storm severely damaged more than 14,300 homes and essential services, with more than half facing potential roof collapses. The storm also affected 56 public health facilities and 150 schools, with water collection and distribution systems also damaged. Road infrastructure suffered complex structural damage as well. More than 15,000 hectares of crops suffered losses, with cooking and food storage capacities in homes and institutions compromised as well. Oscar also devastated salt and coffee production, key livelihoods for the local economy.

Response

The Civil Defense System activated preventive measures, directing energy resources to essential centers and evacuating around 130,000 people. Authorities are restoring basic services such as the power grid and water supply, despite the floods and damaged infrastructure.

The United Nations System in Cuba (SNU) mobilized pre-positioned supplies such as food, hygiene kits, and medical equipment and is seeking support from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to address shelter, health, food security and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs. The UN System’s Plan of Action, developed in coordination with national authorities, outlines UN support for national response and early recovery efforts. This Plan is available to all members of the international community interested in supporting the response. Please contact onucuba@un.org