Cuba began taking measures Friday to soften the impact of Tropical Storm Eta, which is due to hit on Sunday after leaving more than 60 dead in Central America. The island's civil defense warned of expected heavy rain given the "level of soil saturation and filling of reservoirs throughout the country" during the Atlantic cyclone season from June 1 to November 30. An "information phase" declared in most of the country requires local authorities to monitor reservoirs and determine when people are in need of evacuation, as well as ensuring the provision of food and medication. The island nation of 11.2 million is also looking to ensure that the storm does not exacerbate its coronavirus outbreak, which is largely under control with just 7,200 cases and 129 deaths -- some of the lowest numbers in the region. Cuba's Meteorological Institute warned that "Eta will approach at the end of the week in the southeast and center of the country, increasing rain in a large part of the archipelago." More than 50 people in Guatemala were killed in landslides unleashed by Eta. There were also deaths in Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Although downgraded from a hurricane, weather forecasters believe Eta may strengthen before it reaches Cuba. cb/ka/lda/bc/ft