The municipality of Trinidad, in Sancti Spíritus, experienced a heavy rain on Saturday afternoon that turned its streets into genuine rivers.
The meteorologist Yosmelvi Páez Cornell warned about severe weather conditions in the city and shared dramatic videos showing water currents sweeping away debris and hindering traffic on several streets in the historic center.
The intense rains are part of a broad area of atmospheric instability affecting the central region of the country.
The passage of this tropical wave is across the south of Cuba, and as the system moves eastward, it is expected that the rain will decrease in the west, although heavy showers could persist along the southern coast and in the mountainous region.
Meteorologists warn that this type of event can cause significant runoff in the Guamuhaya massif, so they recommend taking extra precautions.
Flooding also in Cienfuegos
In the neighboring province of Cienfuegos, the rains caused sudden flooding in several areas this Saturday. River overflows were reported in the municipality of Cumanayagua.
The flooding was severe on Oncena Street, where officials from the Communist Party and the Government came to "support" the affected residents.
In the provincial capital, between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., over 52 millimeters of rain fell, a figure classified as locally intense rainfall by the Automatic Station of the Provincial Meteorological Center.
Satellite images indicate that a band of storms moved across the center of the island, with the most active cores located between Cienfuegos and Sancti Spíritus, particularly over the southern coastline.
In Cumanayagua, residents shared photos and videos of streets completely flooded, while local authorities reiterated their call to avoid reckless behavior, such as crossing flooded areas or swollen waterways.
Ciego de Ávila also under rain
In Ciego de Ávila, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms was also reported from midday.
The meteorologist Frank Fernández Castañeda confirmed heavy rainfall in the capital city and torrential rains in the municipality of Chambas.
Social media has been flooded with images showing flooded streets, overcast skies, and gusts of wind. So far, no property damage or casualties have been reported, but authorities are maintaining active surveillance in areas prone to water accumulation.
The Meteorology Institute has warned that the rains could continue due to the persistence of the unstable system in the Caribbean Sea, advising residents to take extra precautions and report any risky situations to local authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Floods in Cuba
What caused the flooding in Trinidad and other provinces of Cuba?
The floods in Trinidad and other provinces of Cuba were caused by heavy rains associated with a large area of atmospheric instability affecting the central region of the country. The passage of a tropical wave over southern Cuba also contributed to the heavy rainfall, especially along the southern coast and mountainous areas.
What were the areas most affected by the rains in Cuba?
The most affected regions include Trinidad in Sancti Spíritus, Cienfuegos, and Ciego de Ávila. In Cienfuegos, flash floods and rising rivers were reported, especially in the municipality of Cumanayagua. In Ciego de Ávila, the rains were accompanied by thunderstorms, causing flooding on streets and gusts of wind.
What precautionary measures do authorities in Cuba recommend in light of these heavy rains?
The authorities recommend taking extra precautions, avoiding crossing water currents or fords, and staying informed through official channels. It is also advised to report any risky situations to local authorities and to pay attention to the development of weather conditions.
How has the Cuban government responded to the recent floods?
The authorities of the Communist Party and the Government have visited the affected areas to "support" the residents, especially in Cienfuegos. However, the government's response has been criticized for its lack of effectiveness and for not addressing the structural problems that exacerbate the situation, such as the inadequate urban drainage system.
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