The intense rains affecting eastern Cuba caused the collapse of the temporary bridge in the municipality of Imías, Guantánamo this Saturday, leaving several communities in the area cut off.
Images shared on social media show how the force of the river exceeded and destroyed the structure, which served as the only land link to the Jesús Lores Popular Council and nearby towns such as San Ignacio, Los Calderos, El Cuero, and Explanada de Duaba.
Users like Ramón Frómeta reported on Facebook that “the rain was so heavy that it caused the bridge, which was built as a temporary solution, to collapse before a permanent investment could be made.” Meanwhile, pro-government profiles like that of Carlos Pérez acknowledged the damage, displaying images of the bridge submerged under the floodwaters.
The bridge, of Russian military origin and installed after Hurricane Oscar in October 2024, had already collapsed last December under similar conditions.
Its collapse once again highlights the fragility of "emergency" solutions and leaves over 5,000 residents of Jesús Lores without access to basic services, health centers, schools, and essential supplies.
The Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) warned that heavy and intense rains will continue in the east and will extend to the center of the island in the coming hours, with accumulations in Guantánamo already exceeding 200 millimeters at some stations.
So far, authorities have not announced any immediate plans to restore passage, as the population faces isolation once again amid adverse weather conditions.
Frequently asked questions about the rains and the bridge collapse in Guantánamo
Why did the temporary bridge in Imías, Guantánamo collapse?
The temporary bridge collapsed due to the heavy rains that hit eastern Cuba, causing the river to overflow and destroy the structure. This bridge had previously given way under similar weather conditions, highlighting the fragility of the temporary solutions implemented by the Cuban government.
What are the consequences of the bridge collapse in the affected communities?
The collapse of the bridge left several communities cut off, affecting more than 5,000 residents of Jesús Lores and other nearby towns, who are now facing difficulties accessing basic services, health centers, schools, and essential supplies. The situation is worsened by the lack of immediate plans to restore passage.
What preventive measures are being taken in Guantánamo in response to the heavy rains?
The authorities in Guantánamo have ordered the review and implementation of flood protection plans, including the safeguarding of individuals in vulnerable areas, ensuring the availability of medical equipment and transportation for emergencies, strengthening surveillance on rivers and dams, and protecting food, fuel, and other essential resources. However, these measures seem inadequate given the magnitude of the existing structural problems.
What is the weather forecast for the eastern region of Cuba?
The Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) has warned about the persistence of heavy and intense rains in the eastern region, which will extend towards the central part of the country. These precipitation events are associated with an active tropical wave, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying and urban areas.
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