Hurricane Rafael made landfall in western Cuba on Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, causing widespread power outages and significant damage.
The storm's strong winds and heavy rainfall have battered the island, particularly the provinces of Artemisa and Pinar del Rio.
Over 70,000 people were evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure. Airports in western Cuba, including Havana and Varadero, were temporarily closed due to the severe weather conditions.
The storm's impact has been particularly devastating for Cuba, which has been struggling with frequent power outages and a fragile electrical grid. The recent collapse of the power grid just two weeks ago further exacerbated the situation.
As of Thursday morning, power restoration efforts are underway in the central and eastern parts of the country. However, the western regions, which bore the brunt of the storm, may face a longer recovery period.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center has downgraded Rafael to a Category 2 hurricane as it moves westwards through the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to weaken further over the weekend. (ILKHA)
LEGAL WARNING: All rights of the published news, photos and videos are reserved by İlke Haber Ajansı Basın Yayın San. Trade A.Ş. Under no circumstances can all or part of the news, photos and videos be used without a written contract or subscription.
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) announced Friday that all bakeries in central Gaza have ceased operations due to severe shortages of essential supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s ongoing military offensive.
António Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal, is set to take office as President of the European Council on December 1, marking the beginning of a new institutional cycle for the European Union.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has once again highlighted the enduring plight of Palestinian refugees, calling it the "longest unresolved refugee crisis in the world."
In a deeply emotional briefing at the United Nations, Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a medical practitioner, recounted the harrowing experiences she witnessed in Gaza.