New images released by the Canal Caribe show the scale of the rescue operation carried out in the municipality of Cacocum, Holguín, where dozens of people became trapped due to the rising rivers following the passage of Hurricane Melisa, which has caused severe flooding in eastern Cuba.
The television report captures scenes of great drama, with rescuers moving through the rain, amphibious vehicles cutting through the darkness with their lights, and entire families waiting, soaked, to be brought to safety.
In the midst of the mud and currents, the sounds of engines, coordination shouts, and the visible effort of those trying to maintain their balance while transporting children and the elderly can be heard.
According to the report broadcast by the state channel, the operation, led by the Provincial Defense Council forces with support from the Eastern Army and the Ministry of the Interior, lasted for more than five hours, due to the complexity of the terrain and the strength of the water.
The amphibious transport traveled about eight kilometers between the municipal headquarters and the town of Santa María, where more than 38 people were rescued, including women, minors, and elderly individuals with health issues.
The images, taken at night, reflect both the danger of the mission and the precarious conditions faced by the affected rural communities. Houses surrounded by water, fallen trees, and roads turned into rivers illustrate the impact of the torrential rains.
The report also mentions that similar scenes were repeated in other municipalities in Holguín, such as Urbano Noris and Antilla, where rescue operations are ongoing. In all cases, communities remain partially cut off, and many families have lost what little they had.
While official media insist on showcasing the efficiency of rescue operations, the images speak for themselves, reflecting the fear, uncertainty, and resilience of the residents in eastern Cuba in the face of a new emergency that exacerbates the already fragile situation in the region.
The hurricane Melisa has resulted in destroyed homes, flooded roads, and isolated communities in several provinces in the eastern part of the country.
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