Mass evacuations announced in San Antonio del Sur due to the threat of heavy rains

In anticipation of heavy rainfall and the risk of river floods, Cuban authorities have begun the mass evacuation of residents from San Antonio del Sur to the city of Guantánamo.

The Civil Defense warned about the high risk of flooding in the area, as the rains could lead to a rapid increase in river water levels, similar to what occurred 15 days ago with the passing of Hurricane Oscar, which resulted in eight deaths and two people missing in that region.

The evacuation began at 2:00 PM on Saturday, and families were advised to take their children's milk, the elderly's medications, and to secure valuable items in higher areas of their homes.

The situation is particularly delicate due to the lack of electricity in the area, which has affected the population for several weeks, prompting information to be transmitted via loudspeakers.

The videos show several young people walking through the neighborhoods, shouting evacuation instructions through loudspeakers: "We alert you, starting at 2:00 PM, the entire town will be evacuated. You must take the children's milk, the elderly's medicines, and gather all valuable belongings in your home to protect them."

The Provincial Defense Council has also urged the neighboring localities of Baracoa and Maisí to remain vigilant and attentive to updates regarding the deteriorating weather conditions, due to two systems that are threatening to develop into hurricanes near the Caribbean island.

Recent testimonies confirm that this situation is dreadful for the population, which is already showing signs of psychological exhaustion.

Journalist Miguel Noticias reported that live coverage of the situation is expected through the program D Extremo a Extremo, featuring journalist Alcides Vinent Calderín, who is already in San Antonio del Sur for the broadcast.

This preventive measure intends to minimize damage and protect the lives of citizens amid adverse weather conditions, especially after many residents in the area reported that no one informed them of Hurricane Oscar's approach when they had no access to news due to a massive blackout that affected the entire island the day before.

"We were left alone," "No one warned us," were some of the heart-wrenching testimonies from those affected by the hurricane on the Saturday before last.