Tropical storm Debby intensifies and threatens to become a hurricane in Cuba.

Tropical Storm Debby has rapidly evolved and is expected to become a hurricane throughout this Sunday, according to forecasts from the Cuban Meteorology Institute. This weather phenomenon, which formed in the Atlantic, has been causing heavy rainfall in various regions of the island, particularly affecting the east, center, and west of the country. Since Saturday morning, Havana has experienced continuous rain, although no significant flooding or housing collapses have been reported so far. However, the precipitation has been especially notable in the province of Santiago de Cuba, where residents have seen a drastic increase in rainfall since Friday afternoon. Some neighbors have expressed their concern, but also relief, as the rain is necessary to alleviate water supply issues in the region. Debby's movement towards the northwest at a speed of 24 kilometers per hour has led to precautions being taken in the western provinces, where rain is expected to continue. Water accumulation has been significant, with figures reaching up to 188 millimeters in Artemisa, 160 in Sancti Spíritus, and 119 in Mayabeque. These levels of precipitation raise serious concerns about drainage and the ability of local infrastructure to handle excess water. The situation is further complicated by the state of the streets and drainage systems in major Cuban cities, which are severely deteriorated and cluttered with garbage, hindering proper drainage of rainwater. This not only causes daily inconveniences but also increases the risk of epidemiological outbreaks, especially in a context where the proliferation of mosquitoes such as Aedes Aegypti and Culex is concerning. These species are known vectors of diseases such as dengue and the Oropouche virus. As Debby moves away from the Cuban coast, its trajectory is expected to take it northward, with a possible impact on western Florida between Sunday night and early Monday morning. Weather predictions suggest that the system could generate up to 300 millimeters of rain in areas under alert, in addition to flooding and a significant rise in sea level in coastal zones. This weather event marks the fourth tropical storm of the current hurricane season in the Atlantic basin, which began on June 1. The season has been classified as one of the most active and could see between 17 and 25 storms, posing additional challenges for coastal communities and emergency management authorities. Cuba, already facing serious infrastructure and public health problems, finds itself at a disadvantage in the face of Debby’s advance, which not only threatens to cause immediate damage but also jeopardizes the country's economic and social recovery. Local authorities are on alert, seeking to mitigate the effects of the rain and preparing for the possible impact of the hurricane. Cubans have witnessed extreme weather events and climate changes in recent years, leading to a growing interest in disaster preparedness and response measures. This hurricane could serve as a reminder of the importance of resilient infrastructure and the need for effective public policies to address climate change. In conclusion, the development of Debby into a hurricane is an event that not only affects Cuba in the present but also highlights the fragility of its infrastructure and the urgency of adopting adequate measures to safeguard the health and safety of its population in the future. With the hurricane season in full swing, the country must be prepared to face possible additional challenges in the coming weeks.