Firefighters and residents move large stones to reach an isolated area in Santiago de Cuba

Several-ton rocks blocked a road in Guamá, Santiago de Cuba, but the joint efforts of firefighters and residents managed to clear it to allow access for communities affected by an emergency.

Firefighters and residents clear blocked road in Guamá after an emergencyPhoto © Facebook / Aris Arias Batalla

Related videos:

A quick response from the firefighters of Santiago de Cuba, along with residents of the municipality of Guamá, allowed for the reopening of a road blocked by large stones that had prevented access to isolated communities following an emergency.

The information was confirmed this Wednesday by Aris Arias Batalla, provincial head of Operations, Rescue, and Aquatic Security, who detailed in a post on Facebook that the incident occurred in the southern coastal area, near Babujal, where reports indicated that the roadway was obstructed by rocks and slabs weighing several tons that were blocking the passage of rescue equipment.

Facebook Capture / Aris Arias Batalla

Firefighters from Command 4 of Vista Alegre, local residents from nearby areas, and a private truck participated in the operation after a quick assessment of the damages.

Facebook / Aris Arias Batalla

The joint action allowed for the manual and mechanical movement of the enormous stones to one side of the road, in order to ensure the passage of rescue vehicles, ambulances, and other essential equipment.

Facebook / Aris Arias Batalla

"Unity, professionalism, and determination were enough to move what seemed impossible and prevent the interruption of access to areas where human lives were at risk," Arias stated.

He also emphasized that when one acts decisively, even the greatest obstacles can be overcome.

Facebook / Aris Arias Batalla

The rescuer shared several images that illustrate the titanic nature of this task, but he did not mention what emergency prompted such mobilization. He also did not report the consequences that resulted from the operation.

The heavy rains brought by Storm Imelda in Santiago de Cuba triggered a series of emergencies that tested the response capability of both the authorities and the community.

Among the most dramatic events is the rescue of five individuals trapped after a river overflow in the province, in an operation involving firefighters, rescuers, and local residents.

In another related episode, two young men known as Sergio, Dairon, and Julio were hailed as heroes for their involvement in a rescue during the floods. Their bravery was acknowledged by the local community and generated expressions of support on social media.

However, not everyone was so fortunate: a man lost his life after a collapse in Santiago de Cuba, due to the structural collapse of his home during the rainfall.

In response to the isolation of several communities, rescue teams organized a humanitarian operation to bring food and basic resources to families cut off from communication.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rescue Efforts in Santiago de Cuba

What happened on the blocked road in Santiago de Cuba?

The road in the southern coastal area of Santiago de Cuba was blocked by rocks and slabs weighing several tons, preventing access to isolated communities. Firefighters and locals worked together to clear the route and allow rescue teams to pass.

How did the firefighters and the locals respond to the emergency in Guamá?

The firefighters from Command 4 of Vista Alegre, along with residents from nearby areas and a private truck, manually and with mechanical means moved the stones that were blocking the road to ensure the passage of rescue vehicles and other essential equipment.

What challenges do emergency systems in Santiago de Cuba face?

Emergency systems in Santiago de Cuba face multiple challenges, including the lack of timely response and the need for citizens to act on their own in emergencies. Cases such as roadblocks due to landslides or the lack of waste management highlight issues in infrastructure and state management.

What is the role of the community in emergencies in Santiago de Cuba?

The community plays a crucial role in emergencies in Santiago de Cuba. Neighbors often come together to solve problems that authorities do not address, such as clearing blocked drains or assisting in rescue operations, demonstrating a strong sense of solidarity and cooperation in response to governmental inaction.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.