The hurricane Melissa continues to sweep across eastern Cuba in the early hours of this Wednesday as a powerful category 3 cyclone, leaving torrential rains, destructive winds, power outages, and flooding in several provinces.
The phenomenon made landfall during the night near the municipality of Guamá, in Santiago de Cuba, at El Francés beach, with maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour and a minimum central pressure of 952 millibars, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States.
Destruction and anguish in Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is currently the most affected province. From the city, Alexis M. reported “strong winds, a lot of rain, flooding, and houses already collapsed,” while Magdiel F., from the neighborhood of Versalles, stated that “there are total collapses in several wooden houses.”
The reports align with the data from the Civil Defense, which recorded wind gusts exceeding 180 km/h overnight. In the neighborhoods of Versalles, José Martí, and Altamira, there are reports of partial collapses, fallen trees, and widespread power outages.
Abel de los R., also from Santiago, confirmed that "there are fallen trees everywhere," while the images circulating on social media show blocked streets, damaged structures, and downed power poles.
Holguín and Las Tunas under the northern quadrant of the hurricane
In Holguín, the effects of the northern quadrant of Melissa are being felt strongly. Arianna V., from Gibara, reported "intense rainfall, no electricity since 4 in the afternoon, and gusts of wind." In Cacocum, Alberto Q. noted that "strong gusts" are being recorded, while in Manatí (Las Tunas), Yoneski T. described "lots of rain and strong wind."
According to forecasts, that coastal area of northern Tunero will be one of the most affected when the hurricane moves out to sea during the morning, with gusts that could exceed 120 km/h.
Damage in Granma and heavy rains in Guantánamo
From Mabay (Bayamo), Alexander R. reported "strong winds and no electricity." In Pilón (Granma), readers Olidia O. and Maypu E. informed that "the winds have decreased and the situation is improving," although there are reports of detached roofs and toppled trees.
In Guantánamo, Elsis C. reported that there are "very strong winds and constant rain." Although the eye of the cyclone did not pass directly over that province, bands of heavy rain and sustained winds continue to impact the area.
Isolated gusts in the center of the country
Further towards the center, Joseluis G., from Nuevitas (Camagüey), indicated that "the winds are being felt with little rain." This situation is due to the western edge of the hurricane, which leaves isolated gusts and intermittent showers in provinces such as Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila.
Images of assistance on social media
In social media, images and videos of people asking for help from flooded areas in Santiago and Holguín are circulating. Some users are reporting that water has entered homes and that several families are cut off from communication. The posts showcase streets turned into rivers, destroyed homes, and neighbors trying to salvage belongings in the rain.
General situation up to this point
- Santiago de Cuba: Landslides, fallen trees, power outages, and severe flooding.
- Granma: Moderate damage, gradual improvement of conditions.
- Holguín and Las Tunas: Violent winds and persistent rains.
- Guantánamo: Intense rain, with no serious damage confirmed.
- Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila: Only isolated gusts.
Hurricane Melissa continues moving northeast and is expected to move out to sea along the northern coast of Holguín in the coming hours. The Civil Defense maintains the cyclonic alarm phase for all of eastern Cuba and reiterates the call to stay in safe places, keep away from rivers and coastal areas, and not leave homes until the danger has passed.
CiberCuba is live with coverage of Hurricane Melissa. If you can do so safely, send us your testimonies or images from your municipality to help us keep informing about the situation in real time.
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