The intense rains associated with a tropical depression caused heavy flooding in Santiago de Cuba and other eastern provinces during the night on Saturday and into the early hours of Sunday, with streets and homes submerged and communities cut off.
The phenomenon once again exposed the vulnerability of urban infrastructure and the fragility of the emergency solutions adopted in the region.
Flooded houses and families at risk
Since early hours, users on social media began sharing images and testimonials of the impact of the rainfall.
The official journalist Cuscó Tarradell shared on photos of a flooded house on Camino de Santa Elena, in the 30 de Noviembre neighborhood.
A neighbor reported that "the whole house is flooded" and that even her dog was terrified by the intensity of the downpour.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada confirmed that the flooding reached homes on 3rd and 4th Streets in Trocha and on Celda Street in the Flores neighborhood, where residents reported loss of belongings and significant damage.
According to what was expressed, the emergency is not only due to the intensity of the rains but also to the "lack of drainage and the poor condition of the sewers," a chronic deficiency in the city.
Five people were rescued after the overflow of the Sígua River, in the eponymous town of Santiago de Cuba.
The victims were trapped in the facilities of the Baconao Fantasy Park and were first assisted by lifeguards from the Red Cross and later by other rescue teams.
Flooding in the easternmost province
The province of Guantánamo also suffered severe damage.
The journalist Miguel Noticias shared a video on Facebook taken at 2 Oeste, between Carretera and Emilio Giro, where firefighters were working to clear sewer drains and reduce the overflow of water on the streets.
"That work had to be done before the rain started, always waiting until the last minute," questioned a woman from Guantánamo in the post.
On the other hand, in Yateras, a landslide in the La Carolina popular council caused trees to fall and blocked roads.
In the municipality of Imías, the temporary bridge that served as the only land connection to the Jesús Lores popular council and several nearby communities collapsed under the force of the river. Over 5,000 residents were left without communication.
This infrastructure, of Russian military origin and installed after Hurricane Oscar in 2024, had already collapsed last December due to similar circumstances, raising questions once again about the durability of these "emergency solutions."
Weather warnings
The meteorologist Jorge Félix Hernández warned on social media that the most critical situation is in Santiago de Cuba, where the rain will continue in the coming hours.
He urged the population to avoid crossing flooded areas as the ground is saturated.
"Unfortunately the rain will continue in the coming hours", warned on Facebook.
For its part, the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) specified that in the last 24 hours, accumulations exceeding 100 mm were recorded at 14 stations, with peaks of over 200 mm in four locations in Guantánamo.
These rains have also alleviated the severe drought that has been affecting the region for years.
The accumulation from the stations reports the following figures from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Punta de Maisí: 23.4 mm
Jamal Baracoa – 18.4 mm
Valle Caujerí – 21.1 mm
Palenque Yateras – 14.1 mm – 2.7 mm
Guantánamo – 31.1 mm – 21.7 mm
Automatic Station CMP. – 29.4 mm – 17.0 mm
INSMET warned that, although the tropical depression may evolve, instability will persist in the eastern region and extend towards the center of the country, bringing showers and thunderstorms, especially in mountainous areas and those with poor drainage.
An emergency that exposes vulnerabilities
The images of flooded streets, families removing water from their homes, and entire communities cut off reflect the magnitude of the impact of these rains.
They also highlight the structural deficiencies in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo, where issues with urban drainage and temporary infrastructure solutions exacerbate the damage every time nature strikes with force.
Authorities are calling for calm and urging people to take extra preventive measures, but on the ground, residents are facing another morning turned into a day of distress and loss.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flooding in Santiago de Cuba
What caused the flooding in Santiago de Cuba?
The flooding in Santiago de Cuba was caused by heavy rainfall associated with a tropical depression, which highlighted the vulnerability of the infrastructure and the lack of adequate drainage in the city.
What were the most affected areas by the rains in Santiago de Cuba?
The most affected areas include Camino de Santa Elena, the 30 de Noviembre neighborhood, and 3rd and 4th Streets in Trocha, among others. Several communities were left isolated, and significant damage was reported to homes and belongings.
How did the authorities respond to the flooding in Santiago de Cuba?
The authorities conducted rescues and assessed the situation on the ground. However, the lack of preventive measures and the inadequacy of emerging infrastructure solutions have been heavily criticized by the public.
What measures have been recommended for residents of the affected areas?
Residents have been advised to avoid crossing flooded areas and to stay alert for weather updates, as the rains may continue in the coming hours and prolong the risk situation in the affected areas.
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