The rains recorded in recent days in several regions of eastern Cuba have caused damage to agriculture in Granma, specifically in the coastal municipality of Pilón, affecting crops located in low-lying areas near rivers, according to official reports.
Local authorities reported damages to onion, tomato, cucumber, and other crops, according to information released by CMKX Radio Bayamo and posts from the president of the Municipal Defense Council, Dayamis Silva Lara.
In light of this situation, executives from production units have conducted assessments in the Marea del Portillo Defense Zone to quantify the losses caused by the rains.
Additionally, efforts have been made to identify and collect damaged crops that can still be utilized, including tomatoes and cucumbers, in a context where the conditions of the land are not favorable; however, the food needs of the population are increasing amid the crisis.
The images shared on social media also showed damage to rice fields, banana plantations, and corn.
Previous reports of precipitation indicate that significant runoff has been recorded in recent days towards reservoirs in the area, some of which have begun to overflow, while authorities have kept a watchful eye on hydrological behavior to anticipate and prevent possible human damage.
According to a report from CMKX Radio Bayamo, the reservoirs of Guisa, in the namesake municipality, Paso Malo (Bartolomé Masó), Vicana (Media Luna), and Cilantro (Pilón) were overflowing last Friday.
However, the overall balance of precipitation (15.3 millimeters in 24 hours between Thursday and Friday) was deemed beneficial for the reservoirs, “with the influx of six million cubic meters of water,” according to engineer Genny Corrales Sánchez of the hydraulic utilization company Ríogrande.
The rains were caused by "unstable weather conditions in the eastern region […] associated with the cold front from previous days and its interaction with a trough," specified the broadcaster.
During a visit by Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló, the First Secretary of the Party in Granma, to the affected areas, the overflow of the Guá River was recorded, at the border between Campechuela and Manzanillo, as a result of runoff from the mountainous regions.
Although the latest forecasts from the Meteorological Institute indicate a decrease in precipitation and a return to normal conditions, local authorities continue to assess the damage and urge the population to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary dangers in flooded areas.
On social media, many users lamented that in addition to the terrible situation the country is already facing, the weather events are also affecting vital sectors such as agriculture, which has a direct impact on food supply.
So far, there have been no reports of human casualties due to the severe weather.
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