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The intense rainfall recorded this weekend in the municipality of Guamá, Santiago de Cuba, caused severe damage to the Cañizo bridge, a crucial route for local traffic that is now on the verge of collapse.
According to a report published this Sunday by the official TV Santiago on its page, the weather phenomenon undermined one of the corners of the infrastructure, exposing the concrete base that supports the crossing and compromising its stability.
At this time, the only visible and functional part of the bridge is the upper slab, which poses a risk to both vehicles and pedestrians, following the incident in which tropical storm Imelda hit the eastern region.
Any additional weight could seriously affect the stability of the structure, so extreme caution is recommended when traversing the area, emphasized the official source.
The Cañizo bridge connects several rural communities with the town center and is used daily by residents, transporters, and essential services.
So far, no accidents have been reported, but authorities suggest limiting traffic and implementing safety measures to prevent incidents.
Community surveillance and constant monitoring will be essential in the coming hours as intervention actions are coordinated by road infrastructure specialists.
This is not the only consequence left by Imelda in eastern Cuba. The Charco Mono reservoir, one of the most affected by the drought in Santiago de Cuba, achieved a significant recovery after the intense rains recorded in the region: in just 24 hours, it went from dead volume to reaching 55.1 percent of its capacity.
In Guantánamo, the weather phenomenon caused on Saturday the collapse of the temporary bridge in the municipality of Imías, leaving several communities in the area cut off.
In addition, five people were rescued after the overflowing of the Sígua River in the town of the same name in Santiago de Cuba due to the heavy rains that struck Eastern Cuba.
However, the most tragic chapter that Imelda left behind was the collapse of a house in Santiago de Cuba due to a landslide caused by heavy rains, an incident in which a 60-year-old man lost his life while sleeping. The victim was identified as Luis Mario Pérez Coiterio.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bridge Collapse in Santiago de Cuba and Its Consequences
What damage did the Cañizo bridge in Santiago de Cuba suffer due to the rains?
The Cañizo Bridge suffered severe damage due to intense rains, teetering on the brink of collapse. One corner of the structure was undermined, exposing the concrete base and compromising its strength. Only the upper deck of the bridge is visible and functional, posing a risk to vehicles and pedestrians.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety on the Cañizo bridge?
The authorities recommend limiting traffic and establishing safety measures to prevent incidents on the Cañizo bridge. Community surveillance and constant monitoring are essential while intervention actions by road infrastructure specialists are coordinated.
How have the rains affected other infrastructure in eastern Cuba?
The rains have caused the collapse of several bridges in eastern Cuba, including a temporary bridge in Imías, Guantánamo, leaving several communities cut off. In Santiago de Cuba, landslides and the collapse of homes were also reported, resulting in at least one fatality.
What impact did the rains have on the Charco Mono reservoir in Santiago de Cuba?
The Charco Mono reservoir experienced a significant recovery following the rains, rising from dead volume to 55.1% of its capacity in just 24 hours, temporarily alleviating the severe drought that had been affecting the region.
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