The Cuban government has verified that one individual was injured and two others suffered heart attacks following a false alarm about a potential breach at the San Antonio del Sur dam in Guantánamo. This information was shared during the podcast "From the Presidency," which focused on the impact of Hurricane Oscar on the eastern province and provided details about the victims affected by the panic-inducing rumor.
The incident took place shortly after the municipality of San Antonio del Sur was ravaged by the hurricane, which resulted in the deaths of seven residents due to flooding. In the aftermath, residents fled their homes, assisting the elderly in wheelchairs and scrambling for safety, some even boarding trucks to escape the area.
The Blame Game: Accusations Against the "Counterrevolution"
As is often the case, leader Díaz-Canel pointed fingers at the so-called "counterrevolution" and independent media for the chaos that ensued. Meanwhile, Daniel Ross Diéguez, a filmmaker documenting the situation in the hardest-hit areas, disclosed on social media that the false alarm resulted in the death of at least three individuals.
Amid the turmoil caused by the hurricane, the local population was thrown into disarray by rumors of a potential dam failure, with the dam holding 12.7 million cubic meters of water, or 86% of its capacity at the time. However, local authorities later confirmed that Hurricane Oscar had not damaged the Pozo Azul dam in the Valle de Caujerí.
Widespread Confusion and Panic
The confusion extended to essential services and workers from other provinces attempting to evacuate the area. Daniel Ross Diéguez recounted in a Facebook live stream how the situation unfolded. "Many trucks began to turn around hastily, signaling warnings. Vehicles from ETECSA, churches, and possibly embassies were among those fleeing. I remember a jeep packed with people that made us concerned. Cars were filled to capacity. We understood something was wrong when a car stopped and informed us of the situation," he explained.
Following the chaotic events, the government announced that it would investigate and prosecute those responsible for spreading the false news.