The town of San Antonio de los Baños in Artemisa Province has faced severe devastation in the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael. The powerful winds ravaged the area, toppling electricity poles and tearing off roofs from homes. Massive trees and branches were uprooted, cluttering streets and roads with debris from damaged structures.
Heavy rains caused the Ariguanabo River to swell, particularly in the low-lying regions between La Placita and Plaza del 26. This led to flooding in some neighborhoods and yards, exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems. The municipal government president, speaking to Radio Ariguanabo, highlighted the numerous tasks ahead in the recovery phase.
Widespread Damage Across Community
La Hora de Cuba shared striking images of the destruction, showing roof damage and fallen cables obstructing public spaces. Uprooted trees, some ripped out completely, crushed park benches in the Church Park and the Humor Park. A particularly notable loss was a century-old tree in the iconic Train Stop Park, mourned by local residents.
In Punta de Rosa, an informal terminal for cars and trucks, a fallen pine tree damaged a sales building. The Tobacco Company headquarters also sustained significant damage.
Critical Infrastructure Under Strain
Journalist Meylin Pérez reported substantial damage at the UEB Artemisa Drugstore, where key storage areas were compromised, affecting both the structure and pharmaceuticals. Efforts are underway to salvage the affected medications, as shared on social media.
The official paper, El Artemiseño, noted that the Iván Portuondo General Teaching Hospital suffered serious structural damage from the fierce winds of Hurricane Rafael. The facility's roofing was severely compromised, with waterproof coverings torn away, damaging pipes in critical areas like the premature infant ward, disrupting water supply. Additionally, the winds dislodged climate compressors from the pre-labor and therapy rooms.