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The heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Imelda struck the province of Santiago de Cuba and the rest of the eastern region of the island over the weekend, resulting in significant human and material damage.
Two men, aged 53 and 60, lost their lives after the collapse of their homes, while two other individuals remain missing in the municipalities of Contramaestre and Mella, according to the official newspaper Granma. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing.
Governor Manuel Falcón Hernández confirmed the deaths and explained that the hydrometeorological phenomenon significantly affected several areas, causing not only human tragedies but also severe damage to infrastructure and homes.
Race against time and widespread damage
Search and rescue teams continue to be deployed in the most affected areas to locate missing persons, in coordination with Civil Defense. Authorities are prioritizing support for affected families while assessing the damage caused by the heavy rainfall.
Among the most significant impacts, damage to residential properties is reported, along with effects on facilities in the Health and Education sectors, particularly in vulnerable areas of the City of Heroes and the municipality of Guamá, where the rains hit hard.
Call to the population
Local authorities have emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and adhering to the directives of the relevant agencies, as weather conditions remain unstable in eastern Cuba.
Tropical Storm Imelda, although it did not directly impact the national territory, has left a trail of heavy rainfall and damage in Santiago de Cuba, reminding us of the vulnerability of many communities to natural phenomena.
Impact of the rains in Santiago de Cuba following the passage of Tropical Storm Imelda
What were the consequences of Tropical Storm Imelda in Santiago de Cuba?
Tropical Storm Imelda caused two deaths, two disappearances, and severe damage to infrastructure and homes. The heavy rains triggered landslides, mudslides, and flooding in various areas of Santiago de Cuba, significantly impacting the local population.
What measures are the authorities taking in response to the damage caused by the rains?
Authorities are prioritizing assistance to affected families and the recovery of damaged infrastructure. Search and rescue teams are continuing to work to locate missing persons, in coordination with the Civil Defense. Additionally, damage assessments are being conducted and the public is urged to maintain discipline in light of the unstable weather conditions.
How has the community of Santiago de Cuba responded to the emergency?
The community has had to take action on its own due to a lack of institutional response. Residents of Santiago de Cuba organized to clear blocked drains and prevent their homes from flooding, once again demonstrating the ability of the people to confront emergencies, despite the government's inaction.
What structural problems have been revealed by the rains in Santiago de Cuba?
The rains have revealed the vulnerability of urban infrastructure and the lack of proper maintenance. Inefficient drainage systems and temporary infrastructure solutions exacerbate the damage every time intense rains occur, highlighting the need for effective structural solutions to prevent future tragedies.
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