The discovery of the lifeless body of Antonio Angulo Caballero, aged 74, was confirmed by authorities in Sagua de Tánamo on Sunday. Angulo Caballero was one of two Cubans reported missing four days prior during the river's flooding in this municipality within the province of Holguín.
Found along the river in the Aflijes area of the Marieta community, Angulo Caballero was a resident of the El Jobo community. This information was shared on Facebook by journalist Via Lisbet Ramos Columbié of the Ecos de Sagua radio station.
Rescue operations are being conducted by the Salvage and Rescue Unit from Moa and Red Cross volunteers from Sagua de Tánamo, the report indicated.
The Salvage and Rescue team will handle the transportation of the body, with gratitude expressed for their diligent efforts, the report highlighted.
Details of Earlier Discovery
On Saturday, the body of Luis Pérez Rodríguez, aged 64, was found and identified. Pérez Rodríguez was reported missing on the morning of the 23rd, following the river's overflow caused by intense rainfall in the region over the past week.
His body was discovered near the river's mouth, where firefighters, police officers, and Interior Ministry specialists were present. Pérez Rodríguez worked for the UEB Correos and lived in the Ciudad Sur community.
Initial Reports and Continued Efforts
The Facebook page "Bloguero Tanameño" initially reported the disappearance and presumed drowning of both men on Thursday.
The following day, authorities confirmed that they were "absent from their homes" and continued the search efforts with Moa's Salvage Unit, the Red Cross, family members, and volunteers.
Details emerged that Angulo Caballero left for his farm in Miguel on October 22, after 7:00 a.m., and never returned. Meanwhile, Pérez Rodríguez traveled to Zabala on the 23rd, and a witness saw someone resembling him attempting to cross a water-covered bridge, where he was believed to be swept away.
Authorities' Response and Observations
On Friday, municipal authorities inspected several strategic locations in Sagua de Tánamo to assess protective measures and search efforts, confirming that the river had returned to its banks following the rainfall's decrease. They also visited the victims' families.
It was initially ruled out that these incidents were directly linked to the influence of Tropical Storm Melissa in the central Caribbean Sea. However, persistent rains in recent days likely contributed to the Sagua de Tánamo River's rise and challenging conditions in Cuba's eastern region.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sagua de Tánamo River Incident
What caused the flooding of the Sagua de Tánamo River?
The flooding was primarily caused by intense rainfall over the past week, which led to the river's overflow.
Who were the individuals reported missing during the flood?
Antonio Angulo Caballero, aged 74, and Luis Pérez Rodríguez, aged 64, were the individuals reported missing during the flood.
What role did the authorities play in the search efforts?
Authorities, along with the Salvage and Rescue Unit and volunteers, conducted search operations and verified protective measures across the municipality.