Tropical Storm Rafael Weakens After Devastating Impact on Cuba, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands

Rafael has transitioned into a tropical storm after making its way across Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm is predicted to dissipate over the Gulf of Mexico in the coming days. On Saturday, Rafael was located 290 miles (470 km) north-northwest of Progreso, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph) and moving west-northwest at 6 mph (9 kph), as reported by the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Forecast and Impacts

Forecasters warn that Rafael is expected to continue its southward trajectory towards southern Mexico while losing strength. There are concerns that the swells generated by the storm may lead to “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions” in the affected region.

Earlier in the week, the hurricane caused significant disruption in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, resulting in power outages and mudslides. Its impact escalated on Wednesday evening when it struck Cuba, causing extensive damage. The hurricane incapacitated Cuba’s electric grid, led to the evacuation of 283,000 residents, and caused the collapse of 461 homes. Additionally, trees, power lines, and debris were scattered across the flooded streets, with many still lacking electricity over the weekend.

International Assistance

In a bid to support Cuba's recovery efforts, reports from state media indicated that Russia has pledged 80,000 tons of diesel to the country. Furthermore, they have offered a shipment of equipment valued at $62 million to aid the communist-led government in its post-hurricane recovery endeavors.

Continued Challenges

Rafael's destructive path has compounded the challenges faced by the Caribbean nation, following island-wide blackouts lasting for days and a previous powerful hurricane that claimed the lives of at least six individuals.