Public telephony and tropical cyclones. An analysis from hurricane Matthew

Abstract

Maintaining effective communication while different natural phenomena occur is a permanent concern of the Party and Government in Cuba. Public telephony plays a fundamental role in this task. Cuba is located in a region affected by hurricanes, which cause socio-economic and natural environment affectations. Therefore, it is necessary to describe the relationship and the impact between public telephony and tropical cyclones. In the study, a bibliographic review was carried out, data on the Hurricane Matthew passing through Guantánamo, and the effects and measures adopted by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) were contrasted. This is the first inter-institutional study carried out on the relationship between public telephony and hurricanes to achieve more effective strategic projections. In summary, public telephony suffers great damage after hurricanes pass, especially that equipment located in areas of great exposure.