Hurricane Gustav in Pinar Del Rio
Pinar del Rio Evacuates for Hurricane Gustav
Saturday, 30 August 2008
According to several news sites, the western parts of the island of Cuba have been evacuated by the government.
Hurricane Gustav, presently a category 4 storm, is set to track across the western end of Cuba. Pinar del Rio is Cuba’s primary tobacco growing region. Not only is premium tobacco grown there but it is also left there to dry before it is taken to be aged and rolled in Havana. According to a BBC report, more some half-a-million sacks of dried premium tobacco were removed from susceptible areas into warehouses.
At this time of year, the land is prepared for the growth of fragile seedlings. Most seedlings are unlikely to be planted this early but one major Cuban concern is erosion. Winds are gusting over 200 k/h. Some 60,000 people have been evacuated from Pinar del Rio and surrounding coastal areas.
- Colin Ganley
Hurricanes in tobacco-land can devistate a crop-year. Cigar Research is watching Hurricane season closely.
Pic: workers in Pinar del Rio tobacco field
