On Sunday, Cuba's Ministry of Transportation (MITRANS) declared the suspension of all train, bus, boat, and flight departures due to the imminent approach of the powerful Hurricane Melissa towards eastern Cuba. This decision aims to "ensure the safety of passengers and transportation means."
The action, coordinated with Provincial Defense Councils, follows the Cyclonic Alert Phase declaration for the provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, and Las Tunas. This information was shared through social media by the Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila.
The suspension affects both national and local passenger trains, including the cancellation of train No. 13 from Havana to Guantánamo scheduled for Sunday and train No. 11 from Havana to Santiago de Cuba on Monday, October 27. The cancellation continues with train No. 14 from Guantánamo to Havana on October 28, which won't run because its counterpart, train No. 13 from the capital, is also canceled. Similarly, train No. 12 from Santiago de Cuba to Havana will not operate on October 29, as train No. 11 will not make its usual trip from the capital.
All local and interprovincial train services from Las Tunas to Guantánamo are also halted.
Bus and Maritime Services Affected
All national bus services, including the VIAZUL line, to and from the five eastern provinces are suspended starting at 1:00 PM on October 27. These services will remain inactive until the Recovery Phase is declared, allowing buses to operate safely after coordination and approval from provincial defense councils.
MITRANS has stated that national services from Camagüey to Pinar del Río will continue as scheduled. Passengers holding reservations who choose not to travel will receive a full refund up to 15 days after the service suspension. Those wishing to travel should contact Viajero's commercial offices to reschedule their trips, subject to availability, once services resume.
Flight Cancellations and Passenger Information
Flights to and from Santiago de Cuba and Holguín are canceled on October 28 and 29. Travelers with tickets for these flights should check with their airlines for updates.
The Ministry has assured that all eastern airports have implemented protective measures for facilities and equipment, with teams ready to restore operations to full capacity once the Recovery Phase begins.
Passenger maritime transport is also disrupted by the approaching hurricane, affecting routes between Batabanó, Nueva Gerona, and Cayo Largo del Sur. These services remain suspended until safe navigation conditions are restored.
Passengers with purchased tickets should contact Viajero's commercial offices to arrange new travel dates once maritime services resume. MITRANS has taken steps to mitigate the impact of the storm, safeguarding goods in warehouses and expediting ship unloading at ports, while relocating vessels to designated shelters.
Ministry officials are in constant communication with the National Civil Defense General Staff and provincial defense councils in the Cyclonic Alert Phase to coordinate necessary actions for each phase implemented.
Hurricane Melissa's Threat
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, poses a serious threat to Jamaica and southeast Cuba, with winds reaching 143 mph and even stronger gusts. The tropical system is moving west at approximately 5 mph (7 km/h).
Heavy storm rains are anticipated from Monday through Wednesday, potentially causing life-threatening flash floods and numerous landslides. The storm surge could rise 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels, accompanied by large, destructive waves.
In preparation for the hurricane's impact, approximately 650,000 people are set to be evacuated from eastern Cuba.
Key Questions on Transportation and Hurricane Melissa
What measures are being taken to ensure passenger safety amid Hurricane Melissa?
The Cuban Ministry of Transportation has suspended all train, bus, boat, and flight services in affected areas to ensure passenger safety as Hurricane Melissa approaches.
Which provinces are under the Cyclonic Alert Phase due to Hurricane Melissa?
The provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, and Las Tunas are under the Cyclonic Alert Phase as Hurricane Melissa nears.
How will the transportation suspension affect passengers with reservations?
Passengers with reservations who choose not to travel will receive a full refund, while those who wish to travel can reschedule their trips once services resume.
What are the predicted impacts of Hurricane Melissa on Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring heavy rains, flash floods, landslides, and a significant storm surge, threatening lives and causing widespread disruption.