Search operations are ongoing this Friday in Sagua de Tánamo, a municipality in Holguín province, as local authorities report that two men remain missing following the overflow of the river that runs through the region.
The missing individuals have been identified as Antonio Angulo Caballero, aged 74, from the El Jobo community, and Luis Pérez Rodríguez, aged 64, an employee of UEB Correos and a resident of Ciudad Sur community.
According to an official statement released on Facebook by municipal official Yeletnys Robles Revé, both men were reported absent from their homes on October 22 and 23, respectively.
In one incident, a man left for his farm in the Miguel locality and did not return; in another, a witness observed a person fitting a similar description attempting to cross a water-covered bridge, where he was allegedly swept away by the current.
Community and Authorities Rally in Search Efforts
"Search operations are underway for Antonio Angulo Caballero and Luis Pérez Rodríguez in Sagua de Tánamo. Since their disappearances, the Moa Municipality's Rescue Unit, the Red Cross, families, and volunteers have been mobilized," the official statement specified.
Municipal leaders toured several key areas of Sagua de Tánamo on Friday to assess protective measures and search efforts. During their visit, they met with the victims' families, confirming that the river remains within its banks following a reduction in rainfall.
Impact of Weather Conditions on Search Efforts
While these cases have been ruled out as directly linked to Tropical Storm Melissa, recent intense rains may have contributed to the river's overflow and challenging terrain conditions in eastern Cuba.
On social media, relatives and neighbors urged caution against spreading rumors and encouraged patience while rescue operations continue.
Esther Lamoru, who identified herself as the sister-in-law of one of the missing men, asked for verified information before sharing assumptions about the alleged death.
"We still don't know what happened to Luis. Let's not jump to conclusions; this is not a child's game. Let's wait. The rescue and recovery team is working to confirm the human loss," she wrote on Facebook.
Preparedness and Weather Updates
The Moa Fire Department's Command 30 is actively involved alongside rescuers and volunteers, maintaining a vigilant search in rural areas and along the Sagua de Tánamo riverbanks.
The Forecast Center of the Meteorological Institute (INSMET) reported clouds, showers, and thunderstorms in eastern Cuba on Thursday and continues to monitor Tropical Storm Melissa, which is gradually gaining strength over the central Caribbean Sea.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicates that Melissa could become a hurricane over the weekend, posing a potential threat to eastern Cuban provinces.
FAQs About the Sagua de Tánamo Missing Persons Case
Who are the missing individuals in Sagua de Tánamo?
The missing individuals are Antonio Angulo Caballero, 74, and Luis Pérez Rodríguez, 64, from the Holguín province.
What led to the disappearance of the two men?
They went missing after the river in Sagua de Tánamo overflowed due to heavy rains, with one seen attempting to cross a submerged bridge.
What measures are being taken in the search efforts?
The local rescue unit, Red Cross, and volunteers are actively searching, while municipal leaders assess protective measures.
Is Tropical Storm Melissa affecting the area?
Though not directly linked, recent heavy rains possibly related to Melissa have exacerbated the river's overflow conditions.