The early hours of Friday brought relentless downpours to eastern Cuba, with Baracoa bearing the brunt of severe flooding amid a region still reeling from the recent impact of Hurricane Oscar. Conditions in this part of Guantánamo are becoming increasingly dire, with missing families and devastated areas struggling under the unyielding waters.
Local media outlet Primada Visión, via its Facebook page, reported the escalating situation in Baracoa, noting that the rains began intensifying overnight. Residents in Baracoa are grappling with power outages, a lack of cooking fuel, shortages of potable water, and minimal information about their province and the nation at large.
Amidst growing alarm, many wonder if another cyclone is on the horizon, as Hurricane Oscar took them by surprise last weekend, leaving them unprepared, without stored food, and uninformed due to widespread blackouts. Thousands were unable to evacuate in time.
Desperate Situation in a Struggling Province
Guantánamo, one of Cuba's poorest provinces, sees hundreds of rural families who have lost everything, feeling neglected by the government. Social media platforms are awash with expressions of despair. Rosaly Galbán, a local resident, reported flooding in the La Playa area, while others noted similar conditions in the Nueva del Jamal community.
Eriner Labañino, another Baracoa resident, shared a poignant account of the harsh reality faced by those affected. "That sound of rain inside my house feels the same, it rains more inside than outside. My house is flooded, and I don't know where to go."
Authorities Urge Caution Amid Ongoing Crisis
The desperation among the residents is palpable. Local authorities have urged the population to remain in safe places and heed emergency instructions. In Guantánamo, alongside structural damages, several families remain missing, as search and rescue efforts continue amidst adverse weather conditions.
The floods have left many homeless, devastated areas already hit hard by the hurricane, compounded by the energy crisis and massive blackouts. This further complicates recovery efforts during this critical time for eastern Cuba. With rains expected to persist, the risk of additional landslides and flooding in other vulnerable areas remains high.