Cuba shares experience in fighting disaster risk situations

Cuba shared its experience on 27 January in managing risks of weather and climate-related disasters during an event organized by the United Nations, running through Jan.29.

Director of the Forecast Center of the Meteorological Institute of Cuba, Jose Rubiera, highlighted the importance of science and technology in prevention efforts.

He explained the success of the Island in conveying in simple words the weather forecast and early warning to the population and the government authorities, including the civil defense.

He said this contributes to a better response and recovery after the passage of these meteorological phenomena, said Rubiera in the inaugural session of the International Conference of the United Nations on Science and technology for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The Cuban scientist also answered questions from participants interested in knowing more about Cuba's solidarity and assistance to other countries hit by natural disasters, and recentl y in the fight against the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.

Meanwhile, during her speech, the Unesco Deputy Director of Natural Sciences, Flavia, Schlegel, extolled the capacity and experience of Cuba in reinforcing the early warning system to protect its population.

She stressed the urgency for less developed countries to have access to the knowledge and technology to respond better to disasters.

This conference, attended by over 700 experts and representatives of different sectors, is expected to adopt a UN disaster risk-related road map and create a global alliance among different sectors on this matter.

Participants will also look for more consistency among commitments made by the United Nations on sustainable development, climate change and disaster reduction.