HURRICANE Gustav slammed into western Cuba as a powerful Category 4 hurricane Saturday night as Cubans made anxious last-minute preparations.

Gustav already has killed at least 81 people in the Caribbean, according to The Associated Press, and by 7 p.m. Saturday, the storm was churning over mainland Pinar del Rio province after pummeling the Isle of Youth after making a direct hit.

More than 240,000 people were evacuated from Pinar del Rio, Cuba's tobacco-growing region, before the storm's arrival, according to The Associated Press.

State media reported major flooding and wind damage to businesses on the Isle of Youth, along with numerous injuries.

There were no reports of deaths. The island was without electricity and phone service most of the day.

In Cuba's capital, only a few souls could be seen braving the howling winds Saturday night.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami-Dade County, Fla., said Gustav had sustained winds of 150 mph, and Havana was expected to feel the brunt of the storm Saturday night as it moved toward the Gulf of Mexico.

In Old Havana, massive planters over overturned and scaffolding on aging building swung precariously in the wind. Huge trees were uprooted throughout the capital Saturday as workers hurriedly boarded up the windows of businesses and homes near the seaside Malecon, which was battered by huge waves throughout the afternoon.

``I've put my valuables away and now I'm waiting to see what happens,'' said Tania Manzanares, a 61-year-old retired lawyer. She stood outside her apartment building in the Vedado neighborhood, just several blocks from the Malecon.

``I'm watching the ocean from here,'' she said. ``The flood waters have never come up to my building but the moment I see water coming over the Malecon, I'm out of here.''

State television announced that all bus and train service to and from Havana were suspended.

Ferry and air service to Isle of Youth, an island on Cuba's southwest coast, also was suspended.

Reference : http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24270397-5008620,00.html


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