Authorities have urged residents in the municipalities of Guantánamo and Manuel Tames, located in Cuba's easternmost province, to take extreme precautions as they prepare to open the spillways of the Faustino Pérez reservoir to prevent it from collapsing. Recent heavy rains have brought the dam close to its maximum capacity.
The Directorate of Hydraulic Resources in Guantánamo warned on Wednesday that continuous rainfall in recent days, averaging over 100 mm, has caused the reservoir to accumulate 24 million cubic meters of water—92% of its capacity. In just three days, it is expected to reach its full volume of 26 million cubic meters.
The alert, published by the local newspaper Venceremos, warns residents near the La Clotilde dam—which is currently receiving 3 million cubic meters—and in the communities of Arroyo Hondo, Cecilia, and Paraguay that the spillway will discharge water into rivers passing through these areas to prevent the Faustino Pérez dam from collapsing.
As a preventative measure, the publication advises that "the population should avoid the areas around these watercourses to prevent loss of life" and urges them to take "all necessary actions to minimize material losses."
Hydrological Monitoring and Preventive Actions
The Directorate of Hydraulic Resources emphasized that all measures are being taken to avoid the dam reaching its maximum capacity and that constant monitoring of the hydrometeorological situation is ongoing. The state entity advises residents in Guantánamo and Manuel Tames to stay informed about the situation.
Known locally as La Esperanza, the Faustino Pérez dam was inaugurated in 2000 and supplies water to over 65% of the city of Guantánamo. It also serves as the main regulator of the Guaso River flows. The dam features a gated spillway to gradually release water and prevent flooding.
This Tuesday, five stations from the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH) network reported rainfall accumulations exceeding 100 mm. Leading the list was the Tele-correo Palenque station in the municipality of Yateras, Guantánamo, with 123 mm recorded, according to a Facebook post by Hugo E. Ramos López, principal specialist at the Directorate of Hydrology and Hydrogeology of the INRH.
The rainfall this season has provided much-needed relief from the prolonged drought that has plagued the country. Cuba's largest dam, Zaza in Sancti Spíritus, had accumulated only 15% of its total volume (over one billion cubic meters) by the end of April due to a lack of precipitation during the dry season, which ends in that month.
In May 2023, reservoirs in the province of Guantánamo were filled to just 20% of their total capacity, marking the lowest water storage in a decade.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guantánamo Dam Situation
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the current situation with the Faustino Pérez reservoir and the preventive measures being taken.
Why is the Faustino Pérez reservoir being closely monitored?
Recent heavy rains have brought the reservoir to 92% of its capacity, prompting authorities to monitor it closely to prevent a potential collapse.
What areas are at risk due to the opening of the spillways?
Residents near the La Clotilde dam and in the communities of Arroyo Hondo, Cecilia, and Paraguay are at risk as water will be released into rivers passing through these areas.
What measures are being taken to prevent the dam from reaching its maximum capacity?
Authorities are continuously monitoring the hydrometeorological situation and have implemented all necessary measures to prevent the dam from reaching its maximum capacity.