The Cuban government, through its National Defense Council, has announced an impending investigation and prosecution of those responsible for spreading false news about a dam break in San Antonio del Sur, Guantánamo. This misinformation, which sparked fear among the local residents already traumatized by the havoc caused by Hurricane Oscar on Sunday and Monday, made rounds this past Friday, leading to widespread panic and movement.
San Antonio del Sur has experienced the tragic loss of six residents and severe material damage due to the onslaught of Hurricane Oscar, a Category 1 storm that caused flooding and structural damage in eastern Cuba. The situation was made worse by a widespread power outage that hampered communication and access to information during the emergency.
Panic in the Streets: A Community in Chaos
In videos shared by state journalist Miguel Noticias on Facebook this past Friday, footage revealed residents fleeing their homes, pushing elderly individuals in wheelchairs, and scrambling for safety. Many sought refuge by boarding trucks to escape the area. The chaos also disrupted essential services and prompted workers from other provinces to evacuate.
The president of the Provincial Defense Council, Yoel García, dismissed the rumors as "fake news." "We want to inform the public, particularly residents of San Antonio del Sur and Guantánamo, that the alleged collapse of the dam is entirely false. This misinformation has been spread by malicious individuals, causing panic in a community already suffering from the hurricane's aftermath. We assure you there is no risk associated with the dam," he stated.
The Call for Early Warning Systems
Meanwhile, Guantánamo visual artist Daniel Ross Diéguez recounted his experience during a live broadcast on Facebook. "Many trucks began turning around hastily, signaling to others. That was the first warning. Vehicles from ETECSA, churches, workers from other provinces, embassies maybe, were all rushing. I remember a packed jeep, which made us worried. Cars were overflowing with people. We understood something bad had happened. Finally, a car full of people stopped and delivered the news," he explained.
Ross Diéguez criticizes the situation, suggesting that such chaos could have been prevented with an early warning system and a reliable communication network. He emphasized that this would have allowed for timely alerts to the community in San Antonio del Sur.