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The Sagua de Tánamo River in Holguín province continues to rise due to the torrential rains caused by Hurricane Melissa, creating a high-risk situation for the population in low-lying areas.
Local media shared striking images that show how high the water level has risen.
"Attention! The Sagua de Tánamo River continues to rise due to the heavy rainfall from Hurricane Melissa. Residents in low-lying areas are advised to take extra precautions and follow the authorities' instructions," warned Eddi de la Pera from Telecristal, in a message shared by the newspaper Ahora.
The released photos show streets and roads turned into rivers, with homes and businesses flooded.
Despite the alert issued by local authorities, soil saturation and insufficient infrastructure amplify the danger.
The municipality of Sagua de Tánamo woke up this Wednesday with severe flooding, being one of the most affected areas in the country due to the hurricane.
From the early hours, users on social media shared shocking images and videos of the disaster.
According to reports, the water reached historic levels, flooding houses, businesses, and main roads in the municipality, while rescue teams worked to assist those affected.
A hurricane that shows no mercy
Melissa made landfall in Cuba as a category 3 cyclone, with sustained winds of up to 185 km/h and gusts that caused trees, power poles, and roofs to be torn off.
At 5:00 am, the eye of the hurricane was located over the Holguin province, moving slowly toward the northeast. Although the phenomenon has already moved out to sea, the rains will continue to affect the eastern part of the country throughout the day.
Accumulated rainfall could exceed 500 millimeters, with totals approaching 625 mm in mountainous areas such as the Sierra Maestra, which has caused landslides and partial collapses in rural communities.
In Sagua de Tánamo, the combination of heavy rains and saturated soils keeps the river at dangerous levels, threatening floods that could surpass any previous record.
The structural crisis increases the risk
The risk faced by the population is not only a result of the hurricane but also of the deterioration of local infrastructure and the lack of real preparedness.
Official alerts are compounded by impassable roads, collapsed drainage systems, and precarious housing that cannot withstand the force of the water.
Evacuations have been limited to state shelters and safe areas, but many families remain exposed to flooding and landslides.
The Provincial Defense Council of Holguín warned residents not to attempt crossing rivers or flooded areas, while rescue and salvage brigades remain deployed in the most affected areas.
Nevertheless, the magnitude of the phenomenon far exceeds the immediate response capacity of the State, leaving many communities practically unprotected.
Melissa marks one of the most difficult days of the hurricane season in Cuba.
With blocked roads, downed power lines, and damaged homes, the population of eastern Cuba faces a landscape of uncertainty and helplessness, where the threat of the Sagua de Tánamo River continues to grow and endanger the lives of residents.
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