Guantánamo braces for severe weather conditions as Hurricane Melissa, potentially reaching a Category 5, approaches the region. The local Meteorological Center has raised alarms over the intense winds, heavy rains, and potential flooding expected to impact the province starting Tuesday.
As of Sunday morning, Melissa maintained sustained winds of 136 mph (220 km/h) but is likely to intensify, possibly reaching Category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with winds exceeding 155 mph (250 km/h). Carlos Román González, director of the Provincial Meteorological Center, shared these concerns with the official newspaper, Venceremos.
"We must prepare for the impact of a major hurricane," González stressed. Guantánamo is expected to face torrential rains, hurricane-force winds, and storm surges affecting both its northern and southern areas.
Preparations and Warnings
According to current forecasts, extreme conditions may begin on Tuesday morning and last through Wednesday. Comparing it to Hurricane Matthew, a Category 4 storm in 2016, González warned that Melissa could have a "more direct and widespread" impact on the province.
"Matthew stayed north of us, but Melissa's trajectory points to a more direct hit," Román noted. While the hurricane's path remains uncertain, its broad impact necessitates readiness among residents.
The meteorologist explained that the system brings a northeast flow rich in moisture and instability, which, when interacting with mountains, could result in heavy rainfall and river overflow, particularly in the already saturated northern region.
Proactive Measures
Despite Melissa's spiral bands not yet reaching the area, weather deterioration is expected from Monday afternoon. "Intense rains and potential flooding pose serious concerns," he warned.
Local authorities urge the community to stay informed through official channels and adhere to Civil Defense instructions. Román González reminded that a hurricane is a vast zone with potentially catastrophic effects, necessitating preparedness throughout Guantánamo.
Early warnings have prompted authorities to refine protection plans against heavy rains, landslides, strong winds, and sea surges. About 145,000 people will be sheltered, with roughly 108,000 staying with family or friends and 36,000 in evacuation centers, according to the local TV station Solvisión.
By Sunday, 110 evacuation centers were operational, with the capacity to expand to 142 if needed. Additionally, 83 out of 138 available food preparation centers are ready to ensure evacuees' sustenance.
Efforts are underway to secure potable water, public health services, and internal order in these areas, aiming for a safe and organized response to the hurricane.
"We are setting the conditions well in advance to adequately protect the population," said Civil Defense sources, urging Guantánamo residents to stay informed and comply with official guidelines.
Educational and Regional Alerts
In anticipation of the hurricane, educational activities in Cuba's easternmost provinces are suspended for the upcoming week. The Cuban Meteorology Institute warned of imminent strong storm surges along the southern coastlines of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo.
Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Santiago de Cuba and president of the Provincial Defense Council, issued a warning on Sunday about the looming threat of Hurricane Melissa, which could have a devastating impact on the eastern part of the country.
Currently at Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, Melissa is moving northward through the Caribbean with winds of 136 mph (220 km/h) and poses a risk of severe rainfall, landslides, and coastal flooding in eastern Cuba.
The eastern Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín remain under hurricane watch, with possible direct impacts anticipated between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Understanding Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Cuba
What is the expected impact of Hurricane Melissa on Guantánamo?
Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring severe weather conditions, including torrential rains, hurricane-force winds, and storm surges, affecting both the northern and southern areas of Guantánamo.
How are the authorities preparing for the hurricane?
Authorities have operationalized evacuation centers, prepared food supply centers, and ensured the availability of potable water and public health services to protect residents effectively.
Which areas of Cuba are under hurricane watch?
The eastern Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín are under hurricane watch, with possible direct impacts expected between Tuesday and Wednesday.