Even before recovering from the damages caused by Hurricane Charley, the people of Cuba were crossing their fingers with the approach of September and October, the months of greatest cyclone activity. Charley caused losses estimated at one billion dollars when it passed through the Cuban capital and neighboring province of La Habana on Aug. 13, and left nearby province of Pinar del Río without electricity for 10 days.

Pinar del Río was particularly hard hit during hurricane season in 2002 by the hurricanes Isidoro and Lili. With Frances dissipating over the continental United States, Cuba is now keeping an eye on impending Hurricane Ivan.

Meteorology studies forecast for this year's hurricane season, through Nov. 30, some 13 tropical storms, seven of which could turn into full-blown hurricanes.