The Cuban government has declared on Friday the initiation of evacuation procedures in Baracoa, a region battered by heavy rains since the early hours of the day. This decision comes after the lessons from recent days, during which several lives were lost due to the flooding caused by Hurricane Oscar last Saturday. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz shared on his social media platform that authorities are implementing actions to ensure the safe evacuation of residents. “The harsh realities of recent days demonstrate that we cannot be complacent. We urge the citizens to stay informed and vigilant,” he stated.
On this Friday morning, relentless rainfalls have caused rivers like the Miel to overflow, submerging streets in Baracoa and Cabacú, located in the province of Guantánamo. This has worsened an already dire situation following Oscar's impact. The severe floods have plunged vulnerable areas into despair, with numerous families facing dire conditions. Social media is flooded with accounts from residents, including Eriner Labañino, who shared that his home is inundated, having more water inside than outside.
Images from Cubacú reveal houses completely submerged in water. Living conditions have deteriorated further in Baracoa, where residents are left without electricity, clean water, or fuel. The lack of information, compounded by widespread power outages, has heightened anxiety among the populace, who have criticized the government's handling of the crisis.
Reports indicate that Baracoa and its surrounding areas received 128.8 millimeters of rainfall within just six hours on Friday. Streets like Libertad and 1, along with communities such as La Playa and El Matadero, are severely affected by the flooding.
Weather Forecast and Ongoing Concerns
The weather forecast warns of continued rainfall, posing risks of further landslides and flooding in already devastated regions. According to meteorologist Mirian Teresita Llanes, this weather pattern is a result of a trough and the passage of a tropical wave.