A shocking video circulating on social media captures the distressing moment when a family in San Antonio del Sur watch in disbelief as water levels rise inside their home. It remains unclear whether this was caused by a river overflowing or a dam breach. "Who expected this? No one saw this coming. Did they release the dam or who knows what they did? San Antonio del Sur is completely flooded," one family member is heard saying as the powerful current rushes through their house, entering one door and exiting another.
The image of an elderly woman inside the home is particularly poignant. "In San Antonio del Sur, the valley dams overflowed, and the necessary precautions to protect the population were not taken. Entire families are missing, and many helicopters have flown over the city today," stated activist Miguel Ángel López Herrera in a statement to Martí Noticias.
Devastation Unleashed by Hurricane Oscar
The floods that struck the Guantanamo municipality of San Antonio del Sur during Hurricane Oscar's passage have produced striking images. Some capture the courageous efforts of individuals rescuing neighbors, many of whom are elderly and would have perished without assistance.
As of now, the hurricane's destruction in eastern Cuba has resulted in seven confirmed fatalities, according to official figures, including a mother and her young daughter, only five years old. The authorities have not clarified the number of missing persons.
Community Struggles Amidst Widespread Blackout
"San Antonio del Sur is in pain," wrote journalist Miguel Reyes on Facebook early Tuesday. He has been documenting the magnitude of the flooding in the Guantanamo locality through videos and photos since the onset. However, as time passed, the situation worsened, and reports emerged that the municipality of Imías was also devastated. Despite a massive blackout since last Friday afternoon that plunged the country into darkness and hindered communication about the approaching storm, the Cuban government claims evacuations were indeed carried out.
In total, over 15,000 individuals were evacuated: 9,000 from Imías and 6,000 from San Antonio del Sur, according to a report from the newspaper Granma. Nevertheless, the images from both San Antonio del Sur and Imías are harrowing: homes submerged, food supplies lost, and many families struggling to salvage whatever they can.
Recovery Efforts and Ongoing Challenges
Members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) participated in rescue operations, especially in areas where floodwaters reached over a meter high. Recovery efforts are underway, yet the challenge is immense in a country enduring a profound economic crisis across all sectors.
Hurricane Oscar's passage through Guantánamo has left a trail of destruction and death that will scar the province for a long time. Although the cyclone moved away from Cuba many hours ago, the recovery work has only just begun.