The heavy rains recorded this Friday in the coastal municipality of Imías, in the province of Guantánamo, led to the collapse of the temporary bridge that connected the municipal seat with the Jesús Lores Popular Council and other nearby communities.
The provisional bridge over the Imías River, of the military type TM3, had been installed after the devastation caused by Hurricane Oscar last October. Its collapse once again leaves nearby communities such as San Ignacio, Los Calderos, El Cuero, and Explanada de Duaba cut off.
"Heavy rains have caused the emergency containment bridge set up in Imías to give access to the Popular Council of Jesús Lores, as well as to the areas of San Ignacio, Los Calderos, El Cuero, and Explanada de Duaba, among others," stated the official journalist Miguel Reyes Mendoza on Facebook, known on that social network by his profile 'Miguel Noticias.'
His post shared images and videos of the incident, which was also reported by other local residents, such as Ramón Frómeta, who stated on Facebook that "the rain was so heavy that it caused the bridge, which was a temporary solution until a permanent investment could be made, to collapse."
According to local reports, heavy rainfall caused the river in the area to rise, undermining the bridge's foundations and leading to its collapse.
Unexpected collapse
The TM3 bridge, installed as a temporary measure following the damage caused by Hurricane Oscar, was swept away by the strong currents unleashed by the rains in the mountainous region.
Hurricane Oscar impacted the region in October, delivering over 600 millimeters of rain in less than 48 hours, resulting in severe flooding and significant damage to road infrastructure and homes.
The collapse of the temporary bridge interrupted access to Jesús Lores, one of the main popular councils of Imías, which is home to over 5,000 residents spread across six settlements.
According to a report from the state press, the bridge had a load capacity of 60 tons and was constructed by the Technical Engineering Unit of Holguín, with support from the Revolutionary Armed Forces. However, the extreme conditions caused by the river's rise exceeded the limits anticipated for this temporary structure.
Impact on the community
Jesús Lores is an important socioeconomic center in Imías, featuring ten educational institutions, five medical clinics, a pharmacy, a rehabilitation center, and several commercial units.
Its land disconnection leaves thousands of residents in a vulnerable situation, complicating access to basic services and the distribution of essential supplies.
Local authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the planned actions to definitively restore access. However, the community hopes that repair work will begin in the coming days as they deal with the effects of this new climate-related setback.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bridge Collapse in Imías Following Hurricane Oscar
Why did the temporary bridge in Imías collapse?
The temporary bridge in Imías collapsed due to heavy rains that caused the river to swell, undermining its foundations and exceeding the load-bearing capacity of the temporary structure, which was designed to support up to 60 tons.
What are the consequences of the bridge collapse for the communities of Imías?
The collapse of the bridge has left several communities, such as San Ignacio, Los Calderos, El Cuero, and Explanada de Duaba, cut off, affecting access to basic services and complicating the distribution of essential supplies to over 5,000 residents in the region.
What actions are being taken to repair the bridge in Imías?
So far, local authorities have not issued an official statement regarding specific actions to repair the bridge in Imías. However, it is expected that repair work will begin in the coming days to restore connectivity permanently.
How has Hurricane Oscar affected the road infrastructure in Guantánamo?
Hurricane Oscar has caused significant damage to the road infrastructure in Guantánamo, including the collapse of bridges and the blockage of essential routes due to flooding and landslides, complicating access to several rural communities.
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