If I was contracted to build a Home in Cuba and was responsible to fix natural hazard problems that the country faces immediately I would consider the problems of Hurricanes and flash floods. Water vapor is the fuel for the hurricanes because it releases the latent heat of condensation when it condenses to form clouds and rain, warming the surrounding air.The heat released in this way in tropical thunderstorms is carried away by wind shear, which blows to the top off the thunderstorms;when there is little wind shear, this heat can build up, causing low pressure to form. The low pressure causes wind to begin to spiral inward toward the center of the low.
The effects of hurricanes can be grouped into two: weather and economic. A natural phenomenon like hurricanes, floods and fires, there is extensive damage to property. Homes and other infrastructures are wiped away and may take many years to get things together again. In many cases, there are fatalities and entire communities are severely affected. Hurricanes bring about storm surges and flash floods. The powerful spiral wind action carries water a couple of feet high and lashes it ashore. This can destroy structures and items very close to the shore. I'm addressing Hurricanes and flash floods as the main priorities as there are over 82 documented documented since the 40's and is not reoccurring in one isolated are but effects all of Cuba's country as it hits north,south ,east and, west of Cuba.
Preparedness and prevention are strong qualities that help this small country face severe natural hazards that have been in place since Fidel's regime. They're evident in the Caribbean island's medical sector, educational system, and environmental policies. The Cuban government gives seven days warning, during which local communities are given ample opportunity to prepare for the worst. I would continue the Cuban disaster warning processes based on constant drilling,” which takes place under the rubric of “risk-reduction” in every province, city, town and village. Cuba has these constant drills that are coupled with an integrated response from local fire departments, health, transportation and other vital public services.
I would include free shelter in safer locations,and make sure police go door to door to help spread awareness and help aid those in need. Above all, I would tremendously emphasis on educating the population, as Cuba already does to keep communities and families, particularly the most vulnerable, safe. Personally, I would build my home in Pico Turquino as it is the highest point in Cuba, and It is located in the southeast part of the island. By having my home around the highest point, my home would not be as damaged as it would be closer to a shore or in a valley.Hopefully this will help bring you insight on my country and the great way it educates their people.
work cited:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pico_Turquino
http://tcdc2.undp.org/GSSDAcademy/SIE/Docs/Vol12/2Cuba.pdf
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Thank you for your final report about Cuba. I agree with your chosen hazards and how you'd try to help the population with multiple approaches, like warning systems, shelters, drills, etc. This is a place in my bucket list...I hope to get to visit one day...
ReplyDeleteHi Angel,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. You explained hurricanes in a clear and easy-to-understand way. I had no idea that Cuba has faced so many hurricanes. My country, Peru, also deals with floods. I agree with you that “Preparedness and prevention are strong qualities that help this small country face severe natural hazards” and Cuba is doing a good for the citizens by giving them a warning and having serval days to prepare. It is a great idea to provide free shelters. Safety is so important to me, so I cannot help but to agree with you.
Great job on your last post!
Sol Aguilar