HAVANA, Cuba. – The President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, assessed the progress of recovery in the central and western provinces of the country, affected by rains associated with recent Storm Alberto.

Diaz-Canel spoke by videoconference with authorities of the beaten territories, in which the second Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, Commander of the Revolution Ramiro Valdes and government officials also participated.

During the meeting they verified the progress of recovery efforts and the difficulties still present in those provinces; the most complex situation is found in agriculture, roads, bridges and some areas still flooded.

The first Deputy Minister of Economy and Planning, Alejandro Gil, reported on the availability of resources for the victims, as well as the joint work with the Ministries of Agriculture and Domestic Trade for food distribution.

In this regard, Diaz-Canel emphasized there will be zero tolerance with the possible crime of speculation that may arise in the sale of these products to the population.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, Elba Rosa Perez, said the work in Cienfuegos Bay due to the oil spill will allow the recovery of that area in the shortest possible time.

In addition, she warned of the high probability of rainfall that will affect Cuba over the next five days and urged the leaders of the territories to take the necessary measures to mitigate damage.

The Minister of Transport, Adel Yzquierdo, reported that they are working on the setting up of roads, bridges and railway lines.

Diaz-Canel directed to continue working quickly to compensate damages and insisted on maintaining the vigilance and the preventive measures before any eventuality.

Taken from Prensa Latina