Hurricane Paula downgraded

Waves crash onto the Malecon, Havana’s famous promenade. But all the signs are that Hurricane Paula is losing strength.

Officials are optimistic there will be no repeat of the devastation wrought in Cuba in 2008.

Perhaps this is just as well. No evacuation was planned, as is mandatory, suggesting the authorities may have been caught on-the-hop.

Streets have been flooded, but so far there are no reports of any deaths or injuries.

Paula’s top wind speed has dropped to 75 kilometres an hour as it sweeps eastwards over Cuba.

Trees have been toppled, blocking roads, while large parts of the island have been left without power.

Paula is likely to be downgraded to a tropical depression later on Friday.

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