In a meeting of the National Defence Council, the president of that body indicated that the priority is now focused on recovery measures in the western provinces of Artemisa, Havana and Mayabeque, the most affected territories, and emphasised the importance of providing information to the population.

It was confirmed at the working meeting that Artemisa has been most affected, especially hospitals, schools, service centres, houses, roofs and electricity lines.

Meanwhile, in Mayabeque, the damage is reported mainly in agriculture: bananas and cassava.

The special municipality of Isla de la Juventud suffered the impact of Rafael on housing and the infrastructure of state institutions, but the greatest damage was reported in Cayo Largo de Sur.

Meanwhile, in Havana, some 77 homes, 21 educational centres and seven hospitals were affected, and damage to trees and electrical connections is still being assessed.

According to the meeting, no damage was reported in Pinar del Río, where brigades are preparing to help in neighbouring provinces.

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