The user Yonnelis Pérez posted a video on his Facebook profile where he is seen trapped on a roof while waiting for rescue after the overflow of the Sigua River in Santiago de Cuba.
A Pérez can be heard lamenting in the video: “The land that was mine, it left nothing there, not even nearby or anything.”
"But well, what we have left is to keep moving forward. Here we are perched on the roof," he adds.
The video was also shared by Marvelis Latereaux, cousin of Pérez, who warned that he was "in a dangerous situation in Sigua due to a sudden rise of the river caused by heavy rains. I am requesting support and prayers for his safety and protection. I pray to God that he is rescued soon from the waters."
Shortly thereafter, Pérez was rescued along with 4 other people who had remained trapped after the flood. 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 Baconao Fantasy Park, on the outskirts of the capital city, it specified.
First, two people were rescued by lifeguards from the Cuban Red Cross; the others, in a more remote location, were rescued an hour later.
“To reach that locality, one must cross several dangerous river crossings, all of which are overflowing due to the rising water,” warned the official.
Official profiles also shared images of regime authorities assessing the situation on the ground.
"The First Secretary of the PCC, Beatriz Jhonson Urrutia, arrived in the town of Sigua in Baconao, along with the MININT and the FAR, to assist those cut off due to the intense rains that have occurred in this eastern area in recent hours," wrote the official profile Frank Camilo D Cuba on Facebook.
“Right next to the town, the highest authorities of the province are here to preserve what matters most: the lives of the people,” he added.
Rain in the East
The Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) warned this Saturday about the persistence of heavy and intense rains in the eastern region of the country, which will extend toward the center throughout the afternoon.
The precipitation is associated with an extensive area of low pressure linked to an active tropical wave, which has caused significant 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 meteorological bulletin.
The interaction of this system with local factors and the complex topography of eastern Cuba has resulted in significant rainfall accumulation.
According to INSMET, in the last 24 hours, 22 monitoring stations recorded more than 80 mm of rainfall, 14 of which exceeded 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, progressively extending to the central part of the country during the afternoon.
Rainfall could be strong and intense in some areas, especially in mountainous regions and places with poor drainage. Therefore, it is advisable to stay alert for updates from official forecasts and 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 flooding in Santiago de Cuba and rainfall in eastern Cuba
What caused the recent floods in Santiago de Cuba?
The floods in Santiago de Cuba were caused by the overflow of the Sigua River, due to heavy rains associated with an active tropical wave and an extensive area of low pressure. These weather conditions have impacted not only Santiago de Cuba but also other regions of the Caribbean, resulting in intense rainfall and thunderstorms.
How many people were rescued after the overflow of the Sigua River?
Five people were rescued after the overflow of the Sigua River in Santiago de Cuba. Two of them were initially rescued by personnel from the Cuban Red Cross, while the other three were rescued later due to difficulties accessing the affected area.
What is the current situation of rainfall in eastern Cuba?
The east of Cuba continues to experience heavy and intense rains, which will spread toward the center of the country. The precipitation has been persistent due to an active tropical wave and the interaction of local factors with the complex topography of the region. It is advisable to stay alert for weather updates and to take preventive measures in vulnerable areas.
How has the Cuban regime responded to the emergency situation in Santiago de Cuba?
The Cuban regime has deployed its highest authorities to assess and address the situation in Santiago de Cuba. The First Secretary of the PCC, Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, along with the MININT and the FAR, have been on-site to coordinate the rescue and assistance of those affected by the heavy rains and the resulting floods.
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