The heavy rains that fell on Wednesday afternoon in the city of Bayamo, in the province of Granma, caused flooding in several streets and neighborhoods, as well as disruptions to traffic and impacts on the local population.
According to meteorologist Elaine Báez, a specialist from the Provincial Meteorological Center, a total of 87.8 millimeters of water was recorded in just two hours, between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., accompanied by abundant lightning strikes. The event qualifies as locally intense rain, according to the official classification.
"The precipitation is associated with the influence of an upper-level low and a trough over eastern Cuba, combined with the typical afternoon instability of this season and local factors that favor these phenomena," Báez explained in a note shared by local media.
The specialist indicated that the information was provided preliminarily by the territorial delegation of Hydraulic Resources, and other significant accumulations in different areas of the city cannot be ruled out.
Official media outlets such as CMKX Radio Bayamo and CNC TV Granma broadcast images showing completely flooded streets, residents walking or riding bicycles through inundated areas, as well as vehicles struggling to move through the water. In some locations, the water level reached doorways and entrances of homes.
From institutional channels, the public was advised not to touch fallen cables, to avoid seeking shelter under trees during thunderstorms and to stay informed through official media.
A city struck by recent extreme events
This new weather event occurs just days after Bayamo was affected by a severe local storm, which caused fallen trees and power poles, in addition to flooding streets such as Plaza de la Patria and the Jesús Menéndez neighborhood. On that occasion, fire department forces, Etecsa, and the Electric Company, along with the community, carried out cleanup and recovery efforts.
Even more unusual was the episode in which a hailstorm struck the city with ice pieces the size of golf balls, an extremely rare phenomenon in Eastern Cuba.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant due to the ongoing unstable weather conditions in the eastern region, which continues to be vulnerable because of a combination of natural phenomena and structural limitations in emergency management.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flooding in Bayamo
What caused the recent flooding in Bayamo?
The recent floods in Bayamo were caused by heavy rains associated with the influence of an upper low and a trough over eastern Cuba. In just two hours, a total of 87.8 millimeters of rain was recorded, resulting in flooding in several streets and neighborhoods in the area.
What are the recommendations for the population regarding these weather conditions?
The population is advised not to touch fallen wires, to avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms, and to stay informed through official channels. It is also important to act cautiously while the teams work to drain standing water.
How has Bayamo's infrastructure been affected by the recent rains?
The rains have caused flooding that makes it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to pass, especially in areas such as Plaza de la Patria and the Jesús Menéndez neighborhood. Although no significant damage to homes or infrastructure has been reported, the collapse of the drainage system is evident.
Why is Bayamo experiencing extreme weather events so frequently?
The city of Bayamo has been struck by a series of extreme weather events due to the combination of natural phenomena such as troughs and upper-level lows, coupled with structural limitations in emergency management. This pattern of atmospheric instability seems to be increasing in frequency and intensity.
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