With the looming threat of intense rains and potential river flooding, Cuban authorities have initiated the large-scale evacuation of residents from San Antonio del Sur to the city of Guantánamo. The Civil Defense has issued warnings about the significant flood risks in the area, cautioning that the rains could swiftly raise river water levels, reminiscent of the devastation caused by Hurricane Oscar just two weeks ago, which resulted in eight fatalities and two missing in the region.
Urgent Evacuation Efforts Underway
The evacuation commenced at 2:00 PM on Saturday, with directives for families to bring children's milk, elderly individuals' medications, and secure valuables in elevated areas of their homes. The situation is particularly precarious due to a prolonged power outage in the area, which has left residents without electricity for weeks. As a result, information is being disseminated through loudspeakers. Videos depict young individuals traversing neighborhoods, announcing evacuation instructions via megaphones: "Attention, starting at 2:00 PM, the entire town will be evacuated. Please bring children's milk, elderly medications, and secure all valuables at home."
Heightened Alert in Neighboring Regions
The Provincial Defense Council has also urged nearby communities, such as Baracoa and Maisí, to stay alert and monitor updates on worsening weather conditions, as two systems threatening to become hurricanes approach the Caribbean island. Recent testimonies highlight the dire situation for the population, who are already exhibiting signs of psychological fatigue. Journalist Miguel Noticias mentioned an anticipated live coverage of the situation on the program D Extremo a Extremo, featuring journalist Alcides Vinent Calderín, who is currently in San Antonio del Sur for the broadcast.
Preventative Measures to Safeguard Residents
This precautionary action aims to minimize damage and protect lives amid adverse weather conditions. The move follows numerous complaints from residents who claimed they received no warning of Hurricane Oscar's approach, as a massive blackout had cut off their access to news the previous day. "We were left alone," "Nobody informed us," were some of the heartbreaking accounts from those affected by the hurricane two Saturdays ago.