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A strong cell of rain and thunderstorms struck the municipality of Pilón, in the province of Granma, on Saturday night, causing significant flooding in low-lying areas, reported meteorologist Yosmelvi Páez Cornell.
The images posted by Páez on his Facebook account show flooded streets and water accumulations caused by intense rainfall over a short period.
According to the specialist, the event developed rapidly over the region and concentrated the most activity in the coastal area of the municipality.
According to data from the Hydraulic Resources Institute, Pilón was one of the areas most benefited by the September rains, receiving 232.5 millimeters in a single day.
The precipitation helped to recover reservoirs such as Cilantro, which increased from 40% to 59% of its capacity, reported the official newspaper La Demajagua.
In general, the reservoirs in the province held approximately 458 million cubic meters of water by the end of the ninth month, with an average filling rate of 49%.
However, supply issues persist in some municipalities, such as Bartolomé Masó and Manzanillo, still below the historical average for rainfall.
Although the rains have brought relief to the drought affecting more than 2,300 people in the Granma region, last night's episode confirms the risk of flash floods in areas where drainage infrastructure is inadequate.
The municipality of Trinidad, in Sancti Spíritus, suffered intense rain on Saturday afternoon which turned its streets into actual rivers.
In the neighboring province of Cienfuegos, heavy rains also caused flash flooding in several areas yesterday. River overflows were reported in the municipality of Cumanayagua.
Similarly, in Ciego de Ávila, heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms were reported since noon.
Frequently asked questions about the heavy rains and flooding in Cuba
What caused the flooding in Pilón, Granma?
The floods in Pilón, Granma, were caused by a strong cell of rain and thunderstorms that struck the region overnight, resulting in water accumulation in low-lying areas due to intense precipitation in a short period.
How have the rains affected the infrastructure in Cuba?
Intense rainfall has exposed the vulnerability of drainage infrastructure in many regions of Cuba. Lack of maintenance in sewage systems and the accumulation of garbage have worsened flooding, highlighting the chronic deficiencies in stormwater management.
What impact have the rains had on the water supply in Granma?
The rains have helped to restore the reservoirs in Granma, such as the Cilantro reservoir, which increased its capacity from 40% to 59%. However, supply issues persist in some municipalities, such as Bartolomé Masó and Manzanillo, which are still below the historical average for rainfall.
What other regions of Cuba have been affected by the recent rains?
In addition to Granma, other regions such as Sancti Spíritus, Cienfuegos, and Ciego de Ávila have experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms, causing floods on streets and affecting local infrastructure, with reports of river overflow and flooded streets.
How are the climatic conditions in Cuba expected to evolve?
It is expected that the rains will continue in some regions due to the persistence of areas of atmospheric instability and the passage of tropical waves. Meteorologists advise taking extra precautions, especially in flood-prone areas.
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