Central Cuba: "Climate" allegedly changes in less than 48 hours; CO2 blamed

Abrupt Shift from Drought to Flooding in Central Cuba - AlertNet

HAVANA, May 30 (IPS) - The sudden shift from drought to heavy rainfall that caused severe flooding in central Cuba drove home to the authorities the need to redesign preparedness and prevention plans for climate-related emergencies."These unusually heavy rains in such a short period of time made it necessary for us to update our plans and modify procedures to adapt to climate change-related phenomena," said Inés María Chapman, president of the National Institute of Water Resources (INRH).

...During a tour of the Zaza reservoir, the largest man-made reservoir on the island, the official pointed out that just a few days ago, INRH experts were discussing the possible need to accelerate the well-drilling programme in order to keep up rice production.

The problem was the low level of water in the reservoir, because the forecasts indicated that the drought would continue over the next few months. But the situation changed abruptly, and in less than 48 hours, the Zaza reservoir received more than 800 million cubic metres of water.

...Although more than 20,000 head of cattle were taken to safe areas, the preliminary reports indicate that at least 100 died of cold.