As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the Guantanamo government has announced the sale of charcoal.
While officials declared that charcoal would be available in six main markets this Sunday, feedback on a post by Telecentro Solvisión's Facebook page suggests otherwise.
"Where? Because it's late and nothing has been sold to the people"; "Why wasn't it available at yesterday's fair when we all expected it?"; "No one knows or answers where, when, and how the supposed product will be sold," are some of the frustrated comments from locals.
Despite official claims that sales will also occur in other municipalities, residents express dissatisfaction: "I'm from San Justo, where are they selling it? I have two young children and a patient bedridden with the virus, and we have nothing to cook with. Please, we're waiting."
Mass Evacuations in Cuba's Eastern Region
Over 650,000 individuals are set to evacuate from eastern Cuba due to the encroaching Hurricane Melissa.
From Santiago de Cuba, approximately 258,573 individuals, alongside about 69,000 from Holguín, 139,914 from Guantanamo, 72,000 from Las Tunas, and around 110,000 from Granma, will need to leave their homes and seek shelter with friends, family, or in evacuation centers, according to a statement from Cuba's presidency shared on X.
During an expanded virtual session of the Defense Council chaired by leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, it was revealed that reservoirs in Santiago de Cuba, including Protesta de Baraguá and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, are under close watch.
Granma faces complex challenges with swollen rivers, overflowing reservoirs, and coastal flooding from the night tide in the Gulf of Guacanayabo, hindering natural water drainage. Consequently, 15% of the population, totaling 66,000 individuals, will evacuate to centers.
In Guantanamo, 30% of the populace will be sheltered across 108 centers. Meanwhile, Las Tunas has prepared 133 evacuation centers, with most evacuees staying with relatives and friends.
Prior reports indicated that in the easternmost province, 108,000 evacuees will find refuge with loved ones.
State media reports that 83 centers are set up for food preparation, with 69 schools repurposed as evacuation centers in the region.
In Baracoa, 10,000 residents will remain evacuated, as recent rains have compromised mountain roads, sewage systems, and the main bridge in the area.
Hurricane Melissa Intensifies
Hurricane Melissa continues to strengthen, with winds now reaching 230 km/h, accompanied by even stronger gusts.
The latest update from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 5 p.m. places the eye of the storm at latitude 16.4 North, longitude 77.2 West.
Currently a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, Melissa is moving westward at about 5 mph (7 km/h). A slow westward trajectory is expected tonight, followed by a north-northeast turn on Monday and Tuesday.
The core of Melissa is predicted to pass near or over Jamaica on Tuesday and traverse southeastern Cuba by Tuesday night, reaching the southeastern Bahamas by Wednesday.
The NHC forecasts further strengthening over the next day, with possible intensity fluctuations thereafter.
"Melissa is expected to be a powerful major hurricane when it reaches Jamaica late Monday or early Tuesday and southeastern Cuba by late Tuesday," warns the report.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center, with tropical storm-force winds reaching up to 205 miles (335 km) outward.
The estimated minimum central pressure stands at 941 mb (27.79 inches).
Rainfall and Storm Surge Threats
The report predicts total storm rainfall for eastern Cuba of 10 to 15 inches, with local amounts up to 20 inches, from Monday through Wednesday, posing life-threatening flash floods and numerous landslides.
Additionally, significant storm surge potential looms for southeastern Cuba by late Tuesday or Wednesday.
Maximum storm surge heights could reach 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels, near and east of where Melissa makes landfall. This surge will accompany large, destructive waves, the report adds.
FAQs on Hurricane Melissa's Impact and Evacuations
How many people are being evacuated due to Hurricane Melissa?
Over 650,000 people in eastern Cuba are being evacuated due to the approaching Hurricane Melissa.
What areas in Cuba are most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
The areas most affected include Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Las Tunas, Granma, and Holguín, with significant evacuations and monitoring of reservoirs and infrastructure.
What are the expected weather conditions due to Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring heavy rainfall between 10 to 20 inches, significant storm surges, and potentially life-threatening flash floods and landslides in eastern Cuba.