Guantanamo, Cuba.-More than 36,000 people have been evacuated today in Baracoa as part of the preparations for Hurricane Matthew, radio stations of the area have reported.

According to a report by Radio Baracoa, the most vulnerable people are being prioritized during the evacuation. They will be moved to state institutions, and others are being housed in churches and houses owned by relatives or neighbors.

In addition to the evacuation of people living near the seawall of Baracoa and of tourists in the area, local authorities are strictly monitoring the Faustino Perez dam to prevent overflows.

Tony Matos, president of the Civil Defense Council of Baracoa, urged the authorities in the area to strengthen coordination and cooperation between state institutions and organizations on the ground to support the complex process of moving the evacuees.

On the other hand, Baracoa’s authorities also urged the workers of food processing centers to keep producing to the very last minute, especially those products that can be kept in storage for long periods.

The authorities are also paying special attention to other tasks, such as tree pruning, debris removal, the cleaning of sewers and the removal of fences and business signs as a preventive measure before the arrival of Hurricane Matthew.