MGJM01: Effects of Hurricane Gustav on Cuba

UNCLAS HAVANA 000718 SIPDIS State for WHA/CCA, WHA/EX State for CA/OCS/ACS/WHA, DS/IP/WHA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC AEMR AMGT CASC KFLO MARR PREL PINR CU XL XK SUBJECT: MGJM01: Effects of Hurricane Gustav on Cuba ¶1. Hurricane Gustav made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Western Cuba, Pinar del Rio province on August 30 after passing over Isla de Juventud. The eye of the hurricane passed approximately 50 miles from the city of Havana, mitigating the amount of wind and rain received. No serious damage has been reported in Havana although reports from Pinar del Rio and Isla de Juventud state that the majority of structures there have been destroyed by the storm although no deaths have yet been reported. ¶2. USINT Havana began preparing for the storm on August 26th by refueling and testing all residential generators, securing vacant properties, reviewing post's Hurricane Plan and advising staff through email to take all necessary precautions to secure their residences and personal property from the storm. USINT also tested the generator at the Chancery building, moved all outdoor furniture and mobile coverings, secured awnings, moved equipment and supplies from flood areas in the building, and moved all official vehicles to higher ground. A town hall meeting was held on August 28 with all American staff to go over preparations and answer concerns. The Marines were dispatched to remain at the USINT building along with a small Maintenance crew during the storm. ¶3. During the storm, the COM and the RSO activated the USINT phone tree to check on employees' condition and location several times. The only problem reported during the storm was a faulty residential generator and Maintenance immediately addressed the issue. ¶4. In Havana, there have been no reports of major damage. Minor damage such as some street flooding, downed trees, antennas and other small isses was reported. USINT sustained very minor damage except for the loss of two CCTV cameras and some water entering through doorways and windows. USINT residences reported downed trees and some leaking inside homes, but no major damage. Electrical, water and gas service were restored on August 31, just over 24 hours after it was lost. The Cuban Government quickly dispatched workers to remove trees limbs and other debris and most streets were cleared by midday August 31. Post also activated the LCN phone tree and those that could be reached reported only minor damage as well. Havana returned to business as usual on September ¶1. LESSONS LEARNED -------------- ¶5. Post has been in a storm readiness posture since Tropical Storm Fay less than two weeks ago. By preparing early for Hurrican Gustav, post was able to dispatch personnel just before the arrival of the storm to deal with emergencies and also minimize potential loss of property. Post will continue to maintain this posture with the possible onset of Tropical Storms Ike and Josephine in the next 10 days. ¶6. While initiating the LCN phone tree, it was noticed that many local staff do not have cell phones and contacting them to ascertain their status was difficult. Post is working to help local staff secure cell phones to facilitate communication. In addition, some American staff members were difficult to reach after the storm. All staff members will be reminded to carry their cell phones at all times during an emergency and to inform Post One or the RSO if they will be away from a phone. ¶7. In conclusion, while Hurricane Gustav did not cause any major damage in Havana, post was well-prepared for the storm and will continue this posture throughout the remainder of the 2008 Hurricane Season. FARRAR