While socialist Cuba was spared from the worst of Hurricane Matthew's deadly force, cities such as Baracoa in the country's east were slammed much harder than expected.
While waves annihilated cement buildings and bridges and violent gale-force winds ripped off roofs and knocked down walls—destroying over half of Baracoa's buildings—no lives were lost thanks to the island nation's highly-effective hurricane evacuation system.
The comprehensive disaster preparedness and professionalism of the country's Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, schools, and Revolutionary Armed Forces are world-renowned.
Amidst the intensive recovery efforts in Baracoa, Cuban President Raul Castro visited the city and presided over a working meeting to plan further efforts to bounce back from the effects of the Category 4 storm.
teleSUR takes a look at the Cuban people's vigorous efforts to minimize the damage of Hurricane Matthew.