According to weather forecasts, the meteorological phenomenon is mainly threatening western and central Cuba, and a hurricane warning has already been declared for these regions. The rest of the national territory, from Camaguey to Granma, remains in hurricane watch.

Jose Rubiera, head of the national Meteorological Institute"s Weather Forecast Department, said Ivan will pass through the Island and there is no way to escape from its pounding.

Rubiera asserted the path of the hurricane through Cuban territory could last about seven hours due to its current slow movement, thus intensifying the damages that the strong winds and heavy rains accompanying the hurricane could cause.

More than 170,000 persons had been evacuated on Friday due to the imminent danger hurricane Ivan represents.

President . . Thursday urged the population to be more discipline than ever and take safeguards measures to avoid human losses and face the dangerous hurricane - which had reached maximum winds of 150 mph- with courage.

The National Civil Defense has recommended hastening preventive measures and keeping the population informed.

Among other actions following Civil Defense recommendations, the country has begun cleaning drains and roofs and cutting trees.

All over the country, measures are being taken to protect warehouses, commercial centers, silos, photovoltaic antennas and cells, and to guarantee drinking water supply.

Cuban airports have cancelled their flights on Saturday, expecting to resume operations on Tuesday.

[url=http://www.cubaxp.com/modules/xp-weather/index.php]Cuba Weather Forecasts[/url]