Cuba
From HFA-PEDIA
Contents |
HFA National Reports
Preliminary national HFA progress report 2009-2011 (2010): Unreported
National Report 2008: Mid-Term Report on the Meeting of the Hyogo Framework for Action Goals (Spanish only; 313 KB)
National Report 2007: Unreported
National Report 2006: Unreported
National Report 2005: Unreported
National Report 2004: Unreported
National Platform
No National Platform reported
HFA National Focal Point
Defensa Civil de Cuba, Oficina de Desastres
(Cuban Civil Defense, Disaster Office)
Address: Calle 18, esquina A7a, Avenida Miramar, La Habana
Phone:(+53-7) 864-0024 /864-0110 / fax:(+537) 33-2780
E-mail: ond@infomed.sid.cu
Website: http://www.cubagob.cu/otras_info/minfar/defcivil/
Contact Person:
Ramón Pardo Guerra, Comandante en Jefe
Technical Focal Point:
Jorge Peguero
Tel: (+53-7) 864-0024, 864-0110
E-mail: peguero@dcn.co.cu
Other Contacts
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cuba to the United Nations in Geneva
Chief:
His Excellency Mr. Juan Antonio Fernández Palacios
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Permanent Representative
Address: Chemin de Valérie 100, 1292 Chambésy
Tel: +(41-22) 758-9430, Fax: +(41-22) 758-9431
E-mail: embacubaginebra@missioncuba.ch
URL: http://www3.itu.ch/MISSIONS/Cuba/
UN System Coordination
UN Resident Coordinator:
Mrs. Susan McDade
UN Resident Coordinator / UNDP Resident Representative
Address: Calle 18, No. 110, Miramar Playa, La Habana, Cuba
Tel: (+53-7) 204 1492 / Fax:(+53-7) 204 1516,
E-mail: susan.mcdade@undp.org,registry.cu@undp.org
Carribean Risk Managment Iniciative, Cuba
Contact Person: Karen Benard, Programme Manager
Other Contact: Rosendo Mesías, Asociado de Programa
Address: UNDP Cuba, Calle 18, No. 110, Miramar Playa, La Habana, Cuba
Phone: (+53-7) 204 1513, ext. 211
Email: Karen.bernard@undp.org
Website: http://www.onu.org.cu/crmi
PAHO/WHO Field Office, Cuba
Contact Person: Dra. Lea Guido, Representative.
Address: Oficina Sanitaria Panamericana, Calle 4 No. 407, entre 17 y 19 Vedado, La Habana, Cuba. / C.P. 10400, Apartado Postal 68, La Habana, Cuba
Phone: (+53-7)831-0245/8944/838-2526/2527 / Fax: (+53-7) 833-2075/66-2075
E-mail: [pwr@cub.ops-oms.org pwr@cub.ops-oms.org] / [cruzmari@cub.ops-oms.org cruzmari@cub.ops-oms.org]
Website: http://www.cub.ops-oms.org
Cuban Red Cross
Contac Person:Dr. Ali José Arbid Mas
Address:Sede Nacional Calle 20 No. 707 e/ 7ma y 29. Miramar Cuba.
Phone: (+53-7)2061405/206-1055.
Email: crsn@infomed.sld.cu
Website: http://www.cruzrojacubana.sld.cu/
National Reference Center for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (PREMIDES/CECAT/ISPJAE)
Address: Calle 127 s/n Marianao, Apdo. 19390, Ciudad de la Habana, Cuba
Phone/fax: (+53-7) 20-1729
E-mail: llanes@cecat.cujae.edu.cu
Website: http://www.cujae.edu.cu/centros/cecat/html/premides.htm
Universidad del Oriente - Departamento de Ingeniería Civil
Address: Avenida Las Américas s/n Casero. Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Phone: (53-226) 64-2908
E-mail: josen@fco.uo.edu.cu
Website: http://www.uo.edu.cu/
Country profile
Official name: Republic of Cuba
Capital: Havana
Population: 11.3 million
Density: 101.9 people per sq km
Total area: 110,860 sq km
Languages: Spanish*, English, French, Chinese
Government: Communist state
Ethnic groups: mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1%
Religions: Roman Catholic; Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also represented
Currency: Cuban Peso
Position in HDI: 52°
Cuba is located at the western Caribbean Sea, between latitudes north 210 º 51 '40and 230 ° 17' 09and longitude west 740 º 07 '52and 840 º 57' 54. The Cuban archipelago has an area of 110,860 sq km and includes the islands of Cuba, Juventud and 3,715 cays. Presents three mountain which represent 17% of the total area and the rest are broad plains generally suitable for farming.
It has been identified as tropical cyclones events represent greatest danger for Cuba, given the harmful elements that are associated (upwelling tide or storm, heavy rains and high winds). The history of Cuba has been prolific on record the passage through its territory of major hurricanes. In an average season formed ten named tropical cyclones, six of them can reach hurricane status, two of whom it classifies as intense. Other hazards identified significant for the country are flooding coastal upwelling or associated with tropical cyclones, cold fronts and wind from the south (sures), flooding (flood) associated with sudden heavy rains and drought.
The low-lying coastal areas, such as southern province of Havana, south of the area from Ciego de Avila to Cabo Cruz and the north coast from Camaguey to Varadero, are the most endangered by coastal flooding. The areas of greatest risk for sudden floods are located in settlements population mountain ranges and rivers downstream from dams or reservoirs. Areas East Central and Eastern, particularly the coastal strip south of the province of Guantanamo, are the most endangered by drought.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Risk Management in Cuba
Cuba is exposed to different risks of natural and other origins. Due to its geographical location in the western Caribbean Sea, Cuba is affected annually by intense hydro-meteorological events, primarily hurricanes. The country’s hurricane season lasts for 6 months, from June 1st to November 30th. 2005 was noteworthy as it was extended to January 6th 2006, and was the most active season known in history. Between 1998 and 2008, Cuba was struck by more than 20 tropical storms, of which 14 became hurricanes and seven were of great intensity. During this time period, a total of 11 million people were evacuated. Damage to infrastructure was considerable, with more than one million houses affected and estimated economic losses of 18 billion dollars. Despite this destruction, only 35 lives were lost.
The population most exposed to the destructive impact of these events are those living in isolated coastal and mountainous zones. In these areas, settlements may remain incommunicado for several days until the reestablishment of pre-existing conditions. Recovery activities are carried out in the
housing, critical services and infrastructure sectors based on existing disaster reduction plans, or the decisions made by defence councils at different territorial levels.
Disaster risk reduction (in terms of natural phenomena) in Cuba is supported by a legal framework that includes laws, decreelaws, statutes, and ministerial resolutions. This solid institutional base guarantees the implementation and control of the disaster risk reduction strategy.
After the 1959 Revolution, the government adopted its first measures to support risk reduction. In 1962, the People’s Defence structure appeared; in July 1966, through Law 1194, it was transformed into the Civil Defence System. On December 21st 1994, Chapter XIV of Law 75 defined the system of civil defence measures as a state-run system whose main function is to safeguard the Cuban population and their social and economic achievements in face of any type of natural or other risks. This law established that the presidents of the provincial and municipal assemblies, who function as governors and mayors, are responsible for heading civil defence in their respective territories. They are responsible for implementing the principle measures that ensure that protection of the population and economy. These measures must be coordinated and executed by state bodies, economic entities and social institutions
with the full participation of the entire population.
The Civil Defence System has continually improved as a result of new experiences and laws, such as Decree-Law 170 of May 1997 which established a legal framework specifically to civil defence and broadened all aspects related to disaster risk reduction in the Republic of Cuba. To date, the Civil Defence System has accumulated more than 45 years of experience and has tested its efficiency and effectiveness against multiple disaster situations over the years.
Disaster risk reduction is a priority for the Cuban government, as can be seen in its vast legal framework and structural and educational actions that positively impact social, economic and safety indicators of the population. One of the actions undertaken by the Civil Defence System in 1963 was the
conception and later development of a system of hydraulic works aimed at preventing frequent flooding associated with tropical storms, hurricanes and other extreme meteorological events and therefore protecting persons, good and resources in the risk areas. This system known as “voluntary hydraulics”
provides information regarding rain patterns and and other data related to hydraulic works. Due to its adequate functioning during extreme situations, the system allows for the management of risk factors associated with flooding.
Source: UNDP, 2010
Institutional Level
Exposure of the population and economy to natural hazards as well as levels of existing vulnerability are due, to a large extent, to historical processes surrounding human settlements and the development of various economic activities in the country (historical vulnerability), as well as the deterioration of existing housing, the absence (until the beginning of the 1960s) of land management policies, building codes, heritage regulations, measures to protect the population, among others (accumulated vulnerability). As a result of the political will of the Cuban government and agencies, economic entities and social institutions, professionals, technicians and the general public; Cuba has developed policies, strategies and measures for the prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, rehabilitation and reconstruction in disaster situations which have contributed significantly in reducing the vulnerability of the population and the economy. Several key measures include:
- The development of a legislative body, especially concerning the system of civil defense measures and those that require mandatory inclusion of measures for disaster reduction in the process of development planning and investment projects.
- Improving the quality of people's lives. The right to health, education, culture, decent work, social security and labor, among others.
- Implementation of structural type measures, such as building dams, dikes, aqueducts and sewers, for the benefit of the population and the economy.
- Developing and strengthening institutional capacities and human resources, with emphasis on land use planning and urban development, systems monitoring and surveillance to various dangers, as well as the direction, coordination and control of the civil defence measures, among others.
In Cuba, mechanisms have been implemented that contribute to ensuring risk management and sustainable human settlements. One is the process of recovery, with new investments in housing and settlements through Civil Defense.
Major advances in reducing risks include:
- the application of legal norms and instruments consisting of technical support in integrated management and sustainable settlements that address the issue of natural hazards, which brings together research aimed at identifying and monitoring threats, levels of vulnerability, risk elements in each territory along with national and international financing, contributing to the shaping of this response strategies at all territorial levels and with the active participation of the general public and other stakeholders, particularly within the framework of the System of Civil Defense
- MeasuresMore information.
Source: UNISDR The Americas
Urban indicators
| Indicator | 2030 |
| Total population (thousands) | 11,125.7 |
| Population in urban (thousands) | 8,828.2 |
| Population in slums (thousands) | N/A |
| Population in urban areas (% of total population) | 79.3 |
| Population in slums (% of urban population) | N/A |
| Annual urban population growth rate (%) | N/A |
| Annual slum population growth rate (%) | N/A |
| Population with access to improved sanitation (% of urban population) | N/A |
| Population with access to improved water (% of urban population) | N/A |
| Population with sufficient living area (% of urban population) | N/A |
| Population with durable structures (% of urban population) | N/A |
| Population in rural (thousands) | 2,297.5 |
- Source: UN-Habitat - The data presented here is extracted from UN-HABITAT's Global Urban Indicators database.
- The data is drawn from different sources and based on 2030 estimates.
Climate change
- Cuba's First National Communication on Climate Change to the UNFCC (Spanish, September 2001)
Recent Progress towards the Implementation of the HFA
Cuba: Statement made at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (2009) (Spanish only)
An Official Statement made by Ramón Pardo Guerra, Head of Cuban Delegation / Chief of Civil Defense, Cuba, at the second session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, June 2009.
Concrete advancements and achievements mentioned at GP09:
- PA1: Lessons learned have helped Cuba to create more accurate legal frameworks and binding documents at the national level.
- Local capacity for the evaluation and monitoring of risks has been reinforced as well as (early warning) alert systems.
- PA3: DRR is now being included in schools curricula.
- Land planning (being invoked) to avoid risks
HFA P1 - Institutional and legal framework
HFA P2 - Risk identification and EWS
HFA P3 - Knowledge and education
HFA P4 - Risk applications
HFA P5 - Preparedness and response
Related Documents
- Cuba - Risk Reduction Management Centres: Best practices in risk reduction; UNDP, 2010
- The purpose of this publication is to present the Cuban experience in the creation of the Risk Reduction Management Centres. Since the triumph of the Revolution Cuba has adopted a series of economic, social and environmental measures to reduce societal vulnerability in face of the natural, technological and health hazards. The Risk Reduction Management Centres aim to compile and organize the necessary information for risk studies, facilitate the control of vulnerability and create a culture of risk perception in the population and the authorities, among its multiple activities, as part of the effort to perfect the Civil Defence System of the country. The Joint Staff of National Civil Defence (EMNDC) founded the Risk Reduction Management Centres in 2005, with the support and funding of UNDP and other agencies within the UN System. The Centres are equipped with essential resources, subordinate to local governments in municipalities with the greatest exposure to hazards, and are armed with the fundamental mission of achieving greater effectiveness in the planning and undertaking of civil defence measures for the protection of the population, economic resources and the environment.
- In this material, the functions of the Risk Reduction Management Centres are explained, with a focus on the principle activities and how they have achieved good results in the prevention of hydrometeorological risks in particular. However, this does not imply that all issues are resolved; to the contrary, as express in the title, we will continue to work in systematizing them.
- Case study: Cuba - a culture of safety - from State of the world’s cities 2008/2009 - harmonious cities; UN-Habitat, 2008
The Cuban population has developed a culture of safety. Many ordinary people see themselves as actors with important roles to play in disaster preparation and response. Education and training, a culture of mobilization and social organization, and a government priority to protect human life in emergencies promote this vision.
- Cuba: Paradigm of Disaster Risk Reduction (Spanish only)
José Llanes Guerra, OXFAM Solidaridad and the Belgian Development Cooperation; 2008
Cuba is frequently quoted as a role-model in disaster risk reduction due to its important and significant practical experience that can be shared with other countries. The present publication facilitates the understanding of a country with scarce resources and with a strong governmental commitment to improve and preserve the social conditions of its people. Accumulating a variety of successful stories in the disaster risk reduction field within the Cuban Civil Defense System.
To obtain copies e-mail: fucadhu@fucadhu.org
- Intervention – Cuba (audiovisual) (29.5 MB)
Remarks by Cuban Delegation
ACS High-Level Conference on disaster Reduction
November 2007; Saint-Marc, Haiti
- Caribbean Risk Management Initiative: 2006 Annual Report
- Cuba, weathering the storm: lessons in risk reduction from Cuba; Oxfam International Secretariat, 2004
Web Links
PreventionWeb Country Profile - Natural Disaster, Cuba Data and Statistics
Cuba Coordination Profile; United Nations Development Group (includes United Nations Development Assistance Framework - UNDAF, MDG Reports, UN Country Team, Resident Coordinator's Office and more)
EM_DAT Country Profile-Natural Disaster, Cuba
ReliefWeb Countries and Emergencies, Cuba
Caribbean Risk Managment Iniciative (CRMI/PNUD) Cuba
Official Website Cuban Government
The Latin American Center for Disaster Medicine (CLAMED)
MDG Profile: Cuba
