On Tuesday, January 7, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) confirmed a series of explosions at a military storage facility in Melones, located in the Rafael Freyre municipality of Holguín province. The blasts took place during the sorting of aged ammunition, as stated in a social media release and further detailed on national television. The MINFAR attributed the detonations to a fire within the military installation.
Despite assurances from MINFAR that the event poses "no danger to the community," 1,245 individuals from nearby areas, including the Popular Council of La Púa in Gibara, were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further explosions due to the nature of the stored materials. A special commission has been established to investigate the fire's origins and assess potential associated risks.
Concerns Over Safety and Context
The incident has sparked safety concerns among residents, particularly in a region familiar with similar occurrences. Back in 2020, a military warehouse in Holguín experienced a comparable disaster, with explosions scattering projectiles into nearby communities. This previous event forced the evacuation of over 1,200 people and resulted in material damage. At that time, authorities failed to provide definitive explanations, fueling rumors and speculation among locals.
The recent explosions in Melones highlight the inherent risks of handling aged ammunition, a highly sensitive material that demands stringent storage and handling conditions. Experts point out that some of Cuba's military storage facilities, constructed decades ago, may not comply with modern safety regulations.
Awaiting Answers
As investigations proceed, residents of Melones and surrounding communities remain evacuated, anxiously awaiting more detailed information about potential risks and the measures being taken to ensure their safety. This latest incident raises critical questions about the management of explosive materials on the island and the authorities' capability to prevent future disasters at essential military sites.
Frequently Asked Questions about Explosions in Cuban Military Warehouses
What caused the explosions at the Melones military warehouse?
The explosions were caused by a fire that occurred during the sorting of aged ammunition at the military facility.
How are authorities ensuring community safety?
Authorities evacuated 1,245 people from nearby communities as a precaution, and a commission is investigating the incident to assess risks and ensure safety.
Have similar incidents occurred in Holguín before?
Yes, a similar incident occurred in 2020 at another military warehouse in Holguín, involving explosions that led to evacuations and material damage.