In Santiago de Cuba, five individuals were successfully rescued after the Sigua River overflowed due to persistent heavy rainfall affecting the eastern part of Cuba. Aris Arias Batalla, the Provincial Chief of Operations, Rescue, and Aquatic Safety, shared the news.
The stranded individuals were found on rooftops of buildings within the Fantasy Park of Baconao, located on the outskirts of the city. The initial rescue involved two people by Red Cross lifeguards, with the remaining individuals being saved an hour later from a more remote area.
"Reaching this locality requires crossing several hazardous river passages, all of which are currently overflowing," the official warned. Pro-government sources also circulated images of regime authorities assessing the situation on the ground.
Frank Camilo D Cuba, a pro-government figure, posted on Facebook about the visit of Beatriz Jhonson Urrutia, the First Secretary of the PCC, to Sigua in Baconao, to assist those cut off by the severe weather. "Alongside the people, the province's top officials are there to prioritize the most important thing: people's lives," he added.
Persistent Rains in Eastern Cuba
The Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) issued a warning on Saturday regarding the continuation of strong and intense rainfall in the eastern region of the country, expected to spread towards the center as the day progresses.
These rainfall events are linked to a broad low-pressure area associated with an active tropical wave, bringing abundant cloud cover, showers, and thunderstorms not only over eastern Cuba but also impacting The Bahamas, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and the northern central Caribbean Sea.
The interaction between this system and local factors, combined with the complex terrain of eastern Cuba, has resulted in significant rainfall accumulation. According to INSMET, in the last 24 hours, 22 stations recorded over 80 mm of rain, with 14 exceeding 100 mm, and four locations in Guantánamo reported more than 200 mm.
Regardless of the atmospheric system's development, the official report highlights that instability will persist in the region. Consequently, numerous showers and thunderstorms are anticipated from Camagüey to Guantánamo, gradually reaching the central parts of the country during the afternoon.
Heavy and intense rains might occur in certain areas, particularly in mountainous regions with poor drainage. Hence, it is advised to stay alert for official forecast updates and take preventive measures in vulnerable zones.
INSMET will continue monitoring the phenomenon's evolution and will issue new updates if necessary.
Key Questions about the Flooding in Santiago de Cuba
What caused the Sigua River to overflow?
The Sigua River overflowed due to heavy and persistent rainfall in eastern Cuba, exacerbated by a broad low-pressure system and an active tropical wave.
Who coordinated the rescue efforts?
The rescue efforts were coordinated by Aris Arias Batalla, the Provincial Chief of Operations, Rescue, and Aquatic Safety, along with Red Cross lifeguards.
What measures are being taken to address the flooding?
Authorities, including Beatriz Jhonson Urrutia of the PCC, are on the ground to assist those affected and ensure the safety of the population. Continuous monitoring and updates from INSMET are also being provided.