In a dramatic turn of events, the town of Manatí in the province of Las Tunas woke up to severe flooding after receiving an overwhelming 230 millimeters of rain early Thursday morning. Several areas, including Manga Larga, La División, Bienvenido Manatí, and La Rotonda, have been notably impacted by the deluge.
Local broadcaster Radio Manatí communicated the seriousness of the situation on their social media, emphasizing that local authorities are already assessing the damage and formulating emergency responses. In a further update, it was noted that residents from Canal Revestido are being relocated to designated shelters for their safety.
Compounding the crisis, the broadcaster highlighted the problematic drainage in the region, with water levels stubbornly refusing to recede. As a result, a total of 499 homes have been reported damaged due to the flooding, adding to the list of challenges faced by the community.
The area known as La Ceniza has also suffered significantly, as reported by Radio Manatí. The forceful currents of the Corpa stream have rendered the Venero bridge impassable, isolating the community of Santa Cristina. Meanwhile, severe disruptions have been reported in the Minas area at the municipality's entrance, where the relentless rains have caused considerable damage.
Authorities are diligently working to evaluate the full extent of the destruction while striving to restore communication and support those affected. Meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez provided a weather update on Facebook, warning that the rain is expected to persist. "We have a very humid atmosphere today," he noted, with satellite imagery showing extensive cloud cover over Cuba, particularly impacting the northern coast of the eastern region.
Ruisánchez further explained that a high probability of rain exists across much of Cuba, especially towards the central region, attributing this to the "significant moisture content in various layers of the troposphere."
In a related incident last November, the municipality of Moa in Holguín province experienced similar flooding from torrential rains, necessitating the evacuation of residents in the Ecrin neighborhood. These heavy rains began around 5:00 p.m. on a Monday, causing the Cabaña and Moa rivers to overflow, as reported by journalist Yulieska Hernández García.
Understanding the Impact of Flooding in Manatí, Las Tunas
What areas in Manatí have been most affected by the flooding?
Significant flooding has impacted areas such as Manga Larga, La División, Bienvenido Manatí, and La Rotonda.
How are authorities responding to the flood situation?
Local authorities are actively evaluating the damages and coordinating emergency responses, including relocating affected residents to safer locations.
What challenges are faced due to the flooding?
Challenges include problematic drainage, damage to nearly 500 homes, and disrupted connectivity, particularly affecting areas like La Ceniza and Minas.