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Five people were rescued after the flooding of the Sígua River in the town of the same name in Santiago de Cuba due to the heavy rains that are affecting Eastern Cuba.
The information was made public by Aris Arias Batalla, Provincial Chief of Operations and Aquatic Rescue and Safety in the province.
People were trapped on the roofs of facilities belonging to the Fantasy Park of Baconao, on the outskirts of the main city, it was specified.
First, two people were rescued by lifeguards from the Cuban Red Cross; the others, in a more distant location, were rescued an hour later.
“To reach that area, one must cross several dangerous river crossings, all of which are flooded due to the rising waters,” the official warned.
Official profiles also shared images of regime authorities assessing the situation on the ground.
“Beatriz Jhonson Urrutia, the First Secretary of the PCC, arrived in the town of Sigua in Baconao, to work alongside the MININT and the FAR to assist those cut off due to the heavy rains that have occurred in this eastern area in recent hours,” wrote on Facebook the official profile of Frank Camilo D Cuba.
“Right next to the town, the highest authorities of the province are there to preserve what is most important: the lives of the people,” he added.
Rains in the East
The Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) warned this Saturday about the continuation of heavy and intense rains in the eastern region of the country, which will extend to the center during the afternoon.
The precipitation is associated with an extensive low-pressure area linked to an active tropical wave, which has caused abundant cloud cover, showers, and thunderstorms not only in eastern Cuba but also over the Bahamas, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and the northern central Caribbean Sea, according to the special weather bulletin.
The interaction of this system with local factors and the complex topography of eastern Cuba has led to significant precipitation accumulations.
According to INSMET, in the last 24 hours, 22 stations recorded more than 80 mm of rain, 14 of which reported amounts exceeding 100 mm, and four locations in Guantánamo surpassed 200 mm.
The official report indicates that, regardless of the evolution of the atmospheric system, instability will continue to prevail in the region. Therefore, numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected from Camagüey to Guantánamo, gradually extending to the central part of the country throughout the afternoon.
Rainfall could be heavy and intense in some areas, particularly in mountainous regions and areas with poor drainage. Therefore, it is recommended to stay alert to updates from official forecasts and to take preventive measures in vulnerable areas.
INSMET will continue to monitor the evolution of the phenomenon and will issue new updates if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions about the overflow of the Sigua River and the rains in eastern Cuba
What caused the overflow of the Sigua River in Santiago de Cuba?
The overflow of the Sigua River was caused by heavy rains affecting the eastern region of Cuba. These rains are linked to an extensive area of low pressure associated with an active tropical wave, which has resulted in significant rainfall accumulations in the area.
How many people were rescued from the overflow of the Sigua River?
Five people were rescued after being trapped by the overflowing Sigua River. The staff of the Cuban Red Cross and other local authorities participated in the rescue operations.
How are the rains affecting eastern Cuba?
The rains in eastern Cuba have been intense and persistent, causing landslides and river overflows, such as the case of the Sigua River. These weather conditions are causing flooding and increasing the risk of landslides, especially in mountainous areas and regions with poor drainage.
What measures are being taken in response to the situation of rainfall in Cuba?
The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have activated preventive plans to protect the population. Citizens are urged to stay informed through official forecasts and to take preventive measures in vulnerable areas.
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