Cuban authorities started on Thursday its anti-hurricane alarm system in the eastern provinces due to the approach of the Tropical Storm Tomas threatening neighboring Haiti.

The Chief of Civil Defense (DC) said that they have sent the "hurricane warning" to the eastern provinces of Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba, while the "information phase" was established for the eastern provinces of Granma and Las Tunas.

The DC requested the people to take measures to prepare for the evacuation in case of flooding, and protect crops, livestock and provide food and medical services.

The local Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) reported on Thursday noon that the center of Tomas was located 300 km southwest of Cape Tiburon, Haiti, and 495 km south-southwest of Punta de Maisi in eastern Cuba.

Tomas is moving north-northwest with a speed of 12 kph, with maximum sustain winds of 85 kph, INSMET added.

According to Cuban meteorologists, Tomas is expected to continue to intensify in the next 12 to 24 hours, changing its course north-northeast and increase the speed. It is expected to approach Guantanamo on Friday morning.

Hurricane Tomas has left at least 12 people dead when it tore through the Caribbean resort island of Saint Lucia earlier this week, reports said.