On November 6, 2024, Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm, impacting the western province of Artemisa with wind speeds reaching 185 kilometers per hour (115 mph). The hurricane resulted in significant destruction to homes and infrastructure, leading to a nationwide blackout.
The Cuban government reported severe damage across Artemisa, Mayabeque, and Havana. President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced that recovery efforts would commence immediately, promising to assess the affected areas personally.
As Rafael moved across the island, it generated torrential rainfall, with reports of up to 200 millimeters (approximately 8 inches) in some areas. The storm exited Cuba into the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane, maintaining sustained winds of 168 km/h (105 mph).
Evacuations were ordered in coastal towns, and public transport was suspended in several provinces, including Havana. Flights were also halted at major airports due to the storm's impact.
In response to the devastation, a ship carrying over 300 tons of humanitarian aid departed from Venezuela towards Cuba, highlighting regional solidarity in the face of natural disasters.
Hurricane Rafael is noted as the fifth major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which has seen unprecedented storm activity this year.