Yonnelis Pérez took to Facebook to share a video capturing his precarious situation, stranded on a rooftop while awaiting rescue after the Sigua River overflowed in Santiago de Cuba. In the footage, Pérez expresses his dismay: “The field that was mine, nothing left, not even a fence.” He adds optimistically, “But we have to keep moving forward. Here we are, perched on the roof.”
The video was also shared by Pérez's cousin, Marvelis Latereaux, who warned that Pérez was “in a dangerous situation in Sigua due to a sudden river rise caused by heavy rains. I'm asking for support and prayers for his safety and protection. Praying that he is soon rescued from the waters.”
Pérez, along with four others trapped by the flood, was eventually rescued, as reported by Aris Arias Batalla, head of Provincial Operations and Aquatic Security in the province. The individuals had been stranded on the rooftops of facilities belonging to the Fantasy Park of Baconao, located on the outskirts of the main city.
Rescue Operations in Flooded Areas
Initially, two people were saved by the Lifeguard team of the Cuban Red Cross, while the remaining individuals, situated further away, were rescued an hour later. “Reaching that location requires crossing several dangerous river passages, all of which are overflowing,” the official warned.
Government-affiliated profiles also shared images of regime authorities assessing the situation on the ground. “The First Secretary of the PCC, Beatriz Jhonson Urrutia, arrived in Sigua, Baconao, alongside MININT and the FAR, to attend to those isolated due to the intense rains occurring in this eastern area,” stated the officialist profile Frank Camilo D Cuba on Facebook. “The province’s top authorities are there with the people to prioritize what matters most, the safety of lives,” it added.
Continued Heavy Rains in Eastern Cuba
The Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) issued a warning on Saturday about the ongoing strong and intense rains in the eastern region, which are expected to extend towards the center throughout the afternoon. These downpours are linked to a large low-pressure area associated with an active tropical wave, resulting in significant cloudiness, showers, and thunderstorms not only in eastern Cuba but also over The Bahamas, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and the northern central Caribbean Sea.
This weather system's interaction with local factors and the complex eastern Cuban topography has led to substantial rainfall. According to INSMET, in the last 24 hours, 22 stations recorded over 80 mm of rain, with 14 of them exceeding 100 mm, and four locations in Guantánamo surpassing 200 mm.
The official report suggests that regardless of the atmospheric system's development, instability will continue to dominate the region. As a result, numerous showers and thunderstorms are anticipated from Camagüey to Guantánamo, gradually extending to the central part of the country in the afternoon. The rains could be heavy and intense in some areas, particularly in mountainous regions and those with poor drainage, prompting recommendations to stay informed with official forecast updates and take preventive measures in vulnerable areas.
INSMET will continue to monitor the phenomenon's progress and will issue further updates if necessary.
Flooding and Weather Concerns in Cuba
What caused the sudden flooding in Santiago de Cuba?
The sudden flooding in Santiago de Cuba was caused by heavy rains that led to the overflow of the Sigua River, exacerbated by a large low-pressure system and an active tropical wave affecting the region.
How many people were rescued from the floods?
A total of five people, including Yonnelis Pérez, were rescued from the rooftops where they were trapped due to the rising waters.
What measures are being taken by authorities in response to the floods?
Authorities, including the First Secretary of the PCC and local security forces, are on the ground in Sigua to assess the situation and provide assistance to affected individuals, prioritizing their safety.