On Saturday afternoon, a severe local storm swept through Bayamo with such force that it knocked down branches, trees, and power poles, flooding various parts of the city including the Plaza de la Patria and the Jesús Menéndez agricultural market. The most significant damage was near the Artex headquarters on Antonio Maceo Avenue, the capital of Granma province, as reported by the official newspaper La Demajagua.
According to the news outlet, teams from the Fire Department, the Cuban Telecommunications Company (Etecsa), and the Electric Company were dispatched to repair the damage. The recovery efforts were overseen by Vice Governor José Luis Vega Pérez and the leadership of the People's Power Direction Post in the province. The local community also participated by cutting down trees, clearing debris, and assisting the mobilized workers.
Yanelkys Llera Céspedes shared photos on Facebook depicting the aftermath. "This happened specifically on Antonio Maceo Avenue, right behind my house. The power went out just before the two poles fell, otherwise, I can't imagine what might have happened," she wrote.
Additionally, the Granma Electric Company announced on the same social network that a team of linemen was working on repairing the damaged power lines caused by the severe local storm.
This weather event is part of a series of extreme incidents that have recently impacted several Cuban municipalities, which are increasingly vulnerable due to the ongoing economic crisis and limited resources to handle emergencies.
A light drizzle was enough to flood several streets in Havana on Saturday, further highlighting the collapse of the drainage system, as reported by residents of Cuba's capital. Strong winds battered the Vertientes community in Maisí, Guantánamo, on Friday, leading to fallen trees, crop damage, and roof damage to several homes.
According to Chely Tamayo's official account, the meteorological event on Friday afternoon in the La Ceiba cooperative area caused significant damage to banana plantations, a crucial crop for local food supply. Several families reported partial roof damage, although no injuries have been confirmed so far.
On August 23, a severe local storm struck Santa Clara in Villa Clara, with wind gusts estimated at over 100 km/h, causing alarm among residents and damage in several areas.
Meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez warned on Sunday about two troughs creating unstable weather conditions over Cuba. One trough is located over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, while the other is near the eastern part of the country. Combined with strong daytime heating and abundant moisture in different layers of the troposphere, these systems will generate a favorable environment for rain, showers, and thunderstorms, especially in the western region and parts of the interior and southern eastern Cuba, he noted on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions about Recent Weather Events in Cuba
What was the main cause of the damage in Bayamo?
The main cause of damage in Bayamo was a severe local storm that brought down trees, power poles, and caused flooding in various parts of the city.
How did the local authorities respond to the storm in Bayamo?
Local authorities, including the Fire Department, Etecsa, and the Electric Company, were quickly deployed to repair the damage. The recovery actions were directed by Vice Governor José Luis Vega Pérez and the provincial People's Power leadership.
What are the expected weather conditions in Cuba according to meteorologists?
Meteorologists have warned about two troughs causing unstable weather over Cuba, with conditions favorable for rain, showers, and thunderstorms, mainly in the western region and parts of the interior and southern eastern Cuba.