The damage caused by Hurricane Oscar (later a tropical storm) over the province of Las Tunas will be quantified during the next hours; however, food production will benefit from the rains associated with the storm.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- As this is one of the territories most affected by drought in Cuba, the rainfall becomes a joy for the owners of lands and agricultural workers, especially when the second month of the cold sowing campaign is underway.

For local farmers, it will be an opportunity to foster the planting of grains, vegetables, and fruits in previously tilled soils without irrigation systems and revitalize the crops already established in dry areas.

The rains caused by "Oscar" are also favorable for small and large livestock, as they green up the natural pastures available and can increase the areas dedicated to protein and fodder plants for animal feed.

Another advantage lies in the collection of water in the dams and micro dams of the agricultural sector, which will benefit crop irrigation and the care of herds; as well as the development of aquaculture, an activity that gains space for obtaining proteins.

However, where the early cyclonic alarm was activated, the province adopted the measures established to protect material resources and animals in dangerous areas and minimize the effects of heavy rains, floods, and strong winds.

These included the harvesting of some 320 hectares of plantain, 150 of casava, and 32 of sweet potatoes, as well as the transfer of more than 2,600 heads of cattle to high areas, mainly in the municipalities of Jesús Menéndez, Puerto Padre, and Manatí.

In addition, other productive animals, raw materials, and products stockpiled in the warehouses of the different companies were protected; and also the equipment, technology, and machinery that favor the processes linked to food production.