On 27 January 2019 Havana was struck by a rare tornado. It was the first of his type to hit Cuba in many decades. More than 1,200 houses suffered damages, more than half of them completely destroyed. The meteorological event left four dead and about 200 injured.
Recovery efforts continue on track and without pause. The reconstruction teams have already restored 70% of the electricity services affected by the devastation. The Minister of Finances and Prices reported that workers at the ministry and within its system, including the National Tax Office and insurance providers, are ready to support the recovery in Havana.
The State Budget will finance 50 percent of the prices for construction materials that are sold to those people affected by total or partial collapses of their homes. Low income families affected will be given materials free of charge.
The Council of Ministers of Cuba continues organizing recovery efforts in Havana. The President Miguel Diaz-Canel indicated that donations could be welcomed to help the victims.
The statement states that donations from abroad, be it from governments, companies, NGOs or natural persons, must be made through the Cuban embassies in each country.It also specifies that the Cuban Government is in charge of organizing entry, duty-free access and distribution, as well as for sending money; the account number 0300000005093523 was opened at the Banco Financiero Internacional (BFI).
Those interested can also write to the following e-mail address: donacionxlahabana@mincex.gob.cu.