Havana, 13 August 2022 (TDI): The Embassy of Canada in Cuba expressed Canada’s support for Cuba after the oil depot fire. The Embassy announced that Canada is continuously in touch with the Cuban government to help with post-fire efforts.
We are relieved to hear that the #Matanzas fire is now under control, with great credit to all involved. #Canada 🇨🇦continues to engage with the Cuban government to determine how best to support post-fire efforts.
— Canada in Cuba (@CanEmbCuba) August 12, 2022
Moreover, the Embassy also expressed relief over the fire control in Matanzas. It also thanked all the people and firefighters involved in putting out the fire.
Previously, Canada had shown full solidarity for the people of Cuba. It had expressed grief over the incident of fire in the industrial area of Matanzas.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the fire in the #Matanzas industrial zone. Canada expresses its solidarity with #Cuba, in particular with those affected and who are still missing, their families and the courageous people who are still fighting the fire.
— Canada in Cuba (@CanEmbCuba) August 6, 2022
Oil depot fire in Matanzas
Matanzas is the capital city of Cuba’s province, Matanzas. It is also home to Cuba’s largest port for receiving crude oil and fuel imports.
Cuban heavy crude, as well as fuel oil and diesel stored in Matanzas in 10 huge tanks, are mainly used to generate electricity on the island.
Also Read: UK firefighters express solidarity with Cuban counterparts
On the evening of August 5, lightning caused one of the fuel storage tanks in Matanzas to be caught by fire. The first tank was at 50% capacity and contained nearly 883,000 cubic feet (25,000 cubic meters) of fuel.
The fire spread to a second tank, which was full, by Sunday. Eventually, it engulfed the four-tank area in Matanzas which was accompanied by huge explosions.
Undoubtedly, the fire bought great unrest to the whole country. To put out the fire, local firefighters were supported by more than 100 Mexican and Venezuelan reinforcements.
Together these firefighters helped fight the blaze in the province of Matanzas with boats, planes, and helicopters as they sprayed foam on the containers.
As the broiling temperatures had prevented fighters to enter the area before, this caused the fire to prolong for five days.
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Ultimately the fire was bought under control on Tuesday but it destroyed 40% of the Caribbean island’s main fuel storage facility.
Moreover, the fire was called the worst one in Cuba’s history and it caused massive blackouts throughout the country.
The officials have yet to give a proper estimate of the destruction and deaths caused by the fire. It is reported that more than 16 people have gone missing as a result of the fire.
Countries around the globe have shown support for Cuba. Moreover, international organizations have aided Cuba by helping the people displaced from their homes in Matanzas.
