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Guantánamo is taking preventive measures to address the potential arrival of heavy rain and flooding over the weekend, associated with a tropical wave moving through the eastern Caribbean.
The official spokesperson Carlos Pérez informed on Facebook that in the meeting of the so-called "Vitality," held with leaders from the ten municipalities and managers of provincial entities, actions were defined to safeguard the population and the resources of the economy.
The alert arises following warnings from specialists, who indicate that the weather system is already causing heavy rainfall in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic and is moving northwest at 24 kilometers per hour, with the potential to develop into a tropical depression or cyclone near the central Bahamas.
The director of the Provincial Meteorological Center, Carlos Román González, warned that although the system is not yet organized, its proximity and the abundant humidity in the region will increase the likelihood of rain over eastern Cuba in the coming days.
In response to that situation, the First Secretary of the Party in Guantánamo, Yoel Pérez García, and the governor, Alis Azahares Torreblanca, ordered the review and implementation of flood protection plans.
Among the guidelines were to ensure the protection of people in vulnerable areas, secure medical equipment and transportation for emergencies, strengthen surveillance on rivers and dams, protect food, fuels, and other essential resources, and keep the population informed through official channels to avoid rumors and misinformation.
Provincial authorities emphasized the importance of social discipline and collective responsibility to safeguard human lives and reduce damage to infrastructure and resources during the ongoing hurricane season.
The Meteorological Institute of Cuba (INSMET) also issued a special notice on X this Thursday, confirming that, regardless of the final development of the tropical wave, numerous showers, rainfall, and thunderstorms are expected from Camagüey to Guantánamo starting Friday and throughout the entire weekend.
The agency specified that some rainfall could be locally intense, with significant accumulations over short periods of time, which increases the risk of flooding in low-lying and urban areas.
It also warned of severe thunderstorms and gusty winds in storm areas, and indicated that it will continue to issue new special alerts if necessary.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a update on the cyclonic system "Humberto" this Thursday, which has already reached tropical storm status over open waters of the Atlantic.
At the same time, meteorologists are closely monitoring another tropical wave in the central Caribbean that could become the next named storm, "Imelda," with the potential to impact eastern Cuba and several Caribbean nations in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tropical Wave in Guantánamo
What measures are being taken in Guantánamo in response to the potential arrival of heavy rains?
In Guantánamo, preventive measures have been implemented to address potential heavy rains and flooding, as part of the preparation for a tropical wave. These actions include the safeguarding of individuals in vulnerable areas, the protection of food and fuel supplies, and the monitoring of rivers and dams. The goal is to preserve human lives and minimize damage to infrastructure.
What is the forecast for rain in eastern Cuba?
The Institute of Meteorology of Cuba (INSMET) has issued a special advisory indicating that numerous showers, rain, and thunderstorms are expected in the eastern part of Cuba, from Camagüey to Guantánamo, starting Friday and continuing throughout the weekend. There is a warning about the possibility of locally intense precipitation, which increases the risk of flooding.
How can the tropical wave affect the eastern part of Cuba?
The tropical wave, which has already caused heavy rainfall in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, could develop into a tropical depression or cyclone near the central Bahamas. Its proximity and the high humidity in the region increase the likelihood of intense rainfall in eastern Cuba, with the risk of flooding in low-lying and urban areas.
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