The road connecting the city of Guantánamo and the municipality of Imías, which had been severely disrupted by Hurricane Oscar, was reopened to traffic on Saturday afternoon. This development significantly accelerates the delivery of aid to the region's residents. The reopening marks the start of immediate operations to distribute food and essential donations aimed at aiding the municipality's recovery, as stated by Cuba's Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, via his social media.
Previously, transportation to the area was routed through Moa-Baracoa, a detour that extended travel to over seven hours and increased fuel consumption significantly. The reestablished connection now reduces travel time to just two hours from the provincial capital, greatly enhancing logistical support efforts.
Construction Teams Lead Restoration Efforts
Teams from the Ministry of Construction, dispatched from various provinces, have been diligently working to restore the route. "During our afternoon visit to the area, we confirmed that we could share this long-awaited news at any moment of the night or early morning," the minister noted.
Rodríguez Dávila also cautioned that drivers should exercise care, as the traffic is currently facilitated through a temporary path, with rehabilitation efforts still ongoing.
Impact of Hurricane Oscar
On October 20, 2024, the eastern region of Cuba faced severe destruction due to Hurricane Oscar, which left the municipality of Imías isolated by flooding and significant infrastructure damage. Emergency crews established a temporary route from San Antonio del Sur to Macambo, which allowed for partial access and facilitated relief operations.
Overall, Hurricane Oscar inflicted extensive damage on eastern Cuba's road networks, obstructing crucial routes and hindering the distribution of humanitarian aid. The powerful winds and heavy rainfall isolated numerous rural communities, complicating rescue operations and resource distribution. Mountainous areas were particularly hard-hit, with landslides blocking several access roads.
Ongoing Challenges and Public Concerns
The situation remains dire, with reports of human casualties and public grievances over the lack of official information and essential services during the crisis. Despite efforts to restore connectivity, many residents continue to face significant challenges in the aftermath of the hurricane.