Overnight torrential rains linked to a tropical depression led to significant flooding in Santiago de Cuba and surrounding eastern provinces. Streets and homes found themselves submerged, leaving numerous communities cut off. This situation has once again highlighted the frailty of the urban infrastructure and the inadequacies of emergency measures in the region.
Homes Submerged and Families in Peril
From the early hours, social media users began sharing images and accounts of the downpour's impact. Official journalist Cuscó Tarradell posted photos on Facebook of a flooded house on Camino de Santa Elena in the 30 de Noviembre neighborhood. A local resident recounted that "the entire house is underwater," and even their dog was frightened by the storm's intensity.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada verified that floodwaters reached homes on 3rd and 4th Streets of Trocha and Celda Street in the Flores neighborhood, where residents reported losing belongings and extensive damage. He noted that the emergency stems not only from the rain's intensity but also from "poor drainage and the deteriorating condition of the sewer system," a chronic issue in the city.
Five individuals were rescued after the Sígua River overflowed in the namesake town in Santiago de Cuba. The victims were trapped within Baconao's Fantasy Park facilities and were initially aided by Red Cross lifeguards, followed by other rescue teams.
Flooding Strikes Easternmost Province
The province of Guantánamo also faced severe impacts. Journalist Miguel Noticias shared a video on Facebook from 2 Oeste, between Carretera and Emilio Giro, where firefighters were seen clearing drains to reduce street flooding. "This work should have been done before the rain began, always waiting until the last minute," criticized a local woman in the post.
In Yateras, a landslide in the La Carolina community led to trees falling and roads being blocked. In the Imías municipality, the temporary bridge serving as the sole land link to the Jesús Lores community and nearby areas collapsed under the river's force. Over 5,000 residents were left isolated. This infrastructure, with a Russian military origin, was placed following Hurricane Oscar in 2024, and had already failed last December under similar circumstances, raising questions about the durability of these "emergency solutions."
Meteorological Warnings
Meteorologist Jorge Félix Hernández warned on social media that the most critical situation is in Santiago de Cuba, where rains are expected to persist in the coming hours. He urged the public to avoid crossing flooded areas due to saturated ground. "Unfortunately, the rains will continue in the coming hours," he cautioned on Facebook.
The Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) reported that in the past 24 hours, over 100 mm of rain was recorded at 14 stations, with peaks exceeding 200 mm at four points in Guantánamo. These rains have also alleviated the severe drought that has plagued the region for years. Rainfall measurements from various stations between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm are as follows:
- Punta de Maisí: 23.4 mm
- Jamal Baracoa: 18.4 mm
- Valle Caujerí: 21.1 mm
- Palenque Yateras: 14.1 mm – 2.7 mm
- Guantánamo: 31.1 mm – 21.7 mm
- Automatic Station CMP: 29.4 mm – 17.0 mm
INSMET has warned that even as the tropical depression evolves, instability will persist in the eastern region and will spread towards the central part of the country, with showers and thunderstorms, particularly in mountainous areas and those with poor drainage.
A Crisis Exposing Vulnerabilities
Images of inundated streets, families bailing water from homes, and entire communities isolated reflect the depth of this natural disaster's impact. They also uncover structural deficiencies in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo, where inadequate urban drainage and temporary infrastructure solutions exacerbate damage whenever nature strikes hard. Authorities are calling for calm and heightened preventive measures, but on the ground, residents face another night turned into a day of anxiety and loss.
Questions on Flooding in Eastern Cuba
What caused the severe flooding in Santiago de Cuba?
The severe flooding was caused by torrential rains associated with a tropical depression, combined with chronic issues in the city's drainage systems.
How did the local community respond to the flooding?
Residents shared images and accounts on social media, and rescue teams, including Red Cross lifeguards, were involved in rescuing those trapped by rising waters.
What measures are being taken to address the flooding?
Efforts include clearing drains to reduce street flooding and issuing warnings to avoid crossing flooded areas. However, there is criticism about the lack of proactive measures.