One week after Hurricane Gustav cut through the Pinar del Rio region of Cuba, the cleanup continues. Pinar del Rio is in the process of cleaning up the storm damage, fixing utility connections, and rebuilding damaged structures.

The third most powerful hurricane in Cuba’s recorded history killed no people but damaged some 102,000 buildings. The Cuban army is assisting in the massive clean-up. They are distributing supplies to the residents involved in the work. Provincial authorities are assisting with food provision (rice and root vegetables specifically).

This youtube video shows some of the damage caused by Gustav in Western Cuba. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptpo6A8D_Q8 This video was provided by MESA TV and is in Spanish.

Schoolchildren have returned to classrooms despite hurricane damage to the Western provinces. Thousands of schoolchildren have been able to get to their classrooms but housing remains a problem. Since 503 schools were damaged by the hurricane, schools in central and eastern Cuba have opened their doors to distressed students from the west of the island.

45% of all housing in Pinar del Rio was damaged in the hurricane. 102,000 houses were damaged overall. Many of the residents of Pinar del Rio work in the premium tobacco industry. Unquestionably, the hurricane has negatively affected these workers. Whether or not this hurricane will have an impact on this year’s tobacco crop will depend upon the speed of recovery.

Warm wishes have been sent to the island nation from people around the world and there is no doubt that Habanos smokers around the world also send their best wishes to those who make some of the finest cigars in the world.

- Colin Ganley

Images of damage: http://www.cubanews.ain.cu/2008/0830gustav_pinardelriogallery.htm

http://www.plenglish.com/article.asp?ID=%7BF5B8B5EC-4CEA-43F8-973D-CC33EA9DA950%7D)&language=EN

www.granma.cu - official government newspaper website (translated into english)