The waves in the municipality of Guamá, in Santiago de Cuba province, are already showing the effects of the approaching Hurricane Beryl, according to videos and photos shared on social media.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta posted images of the rough seas in Guamá on Facebook this Wednesday. This area is often cut off by rising rivers and sea surges when a cyclone nears the eastern part of the island.
Guamá is classified as one of the most vulnerable municipalities in Cuba, particularly susceptible to hydrometeorological events such as hurricanes, intense rains, river floods, and sea surges. Due to this, the Civil Defense (DC) in Santiago de Cuba has advised the protection of the population in about 60 coastal settlements, mainly those belonging to Guamá, according to official Carlos Sanabia Marrero on Facebook.
The DC has urged the population to “stay informed and heed their instructions, given the potential effects of rain and coastal flooding caused by the powerful Hurricane Beryl passing south of the area,” Sanabia noted.
Nonetheless, he highlighted the benefits the hurricane could bring, especially for the agriculture sector striving to plant more than 60,000 hectares in the current spring campaign and for the eleven reservoirs in the province that are currently at 74 percent of their total capacity.
In this context, popular Cuban meteorologist José Rubiera warned that in the coming hours, Hurricane Beryl would bring rain primarily to eastern Cuba and urged everyone to stay alert.
On Tuesday evening, Rubiera demonstrated how a satellite simulation of the hurricane’s trajectory showed that eastern provinces would be affected by rain on Wednesday.
However, the regime has urged the population to be prepared since Jamaica is forecasted to experience devastating winds and potentially catastrophic storm surges.
"Beryl is expected to bring hurricane conditions to Jamaica by midday today with potentially deadly winds and storm surges. It is forecasted to approach the Cayman Islands tonight through Thursday," warned the National Hurricane Center (NHC) on its social media platforms.
Impact of Hurricane Beryl on Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions about the potential impact of Hurricane Beryl on Cuba and the measures being taken to protect the population.
How is the municipality of Guamá preparing for Hurricane Beryl?
The Civil Defense in Santiago de Cuba has advised the protection of the population in about 60 coastal settlements, mainly those in Guamá. Residents are urged to stay informed and follow instructions due to the risk of rain and coastal flooding.
What benefits could Hurricane Beryl bring to Santiago de Cuba?
The hurricane could benefit the agriculture sector, which is focused on planting over 60,000 hectares this spring, and help fill the eleven reservoirs in the province, which are currently at 74 percent of their total capacity.
What are the expected conditions in Jamaica due to Hurricane Beryl?
Jamaica is expected to face hurricane conditions by midday, including potentially deadly winds and catastrophic storm surges. The storm is also forecasted to approach the Cayman Islands from tonight through Thursday.