Hurricane Melissa continues its relentless assault on eastern Cuba, unleashing torrential rains and triggering landslides that have created a dire situation in the town of El Cobre, located in Santiago de Cuba province.
According to official reports and social media posts, 17 people, including children and the elderly, have been trapped following a landslide on Loma del Cimarrón. This area has been severely impacted by the sudden rise of the river cutting through the village.
Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the First Secretary of the Communist Party in the province, has confirmed that a rescue operation is underway, navigating along the river to evacuate the isolated group.
"The rainfall has been unprecedented," Johnson stated to state-run media outlets.
Rescue and emergency teams from the Ministry of the Interior and Civil Defense have been working tirelessly in the area since dawn. However, their efforts are being hampered by flooded terrain, additional landslides, and blocked access routes.
Voices from Isolation
In a phone conversation with journalist Dayron Chang, Dr. Lionnis Franco, one of those trapped, confirmed that the group is safe despite ongoing concerns.
"We're sheltered and trying to stay calm. There are two children and five elderly individuals; some have asthma and hypertension, but overall, we're in good health. Rescuers have contacted us, but they haven't been able to cross due to the river's strength," he explained.
Franco noted a slight decrease in the river's flow, but described it as still "astonishing," reaching areas that "no one recalls ever being flooded before."
Widespread Flooding and Damage
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that storm surges and accumulated rainfall in eastern Cuba could exceed 500 millimeters in mountainous areas, causing catastrophic flooding and numerous landslides.
In Santiago de Cuba municipality, severe flooding has been reported on Avenida Patria, Plaza de la Revolución, Mar Verde, Fábrica de Aceite, and Avenida de las Américas, along with structural damage at the Zona+ recreational center.
Rainfall in El Cobre has surpassed 267 millimeters, according to the Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET).
Along the coast of Guamá, where the hurricane's eye made landfall overnight, waves have reached over four meters high, with winds up to 185 km/h destroying roofs, sweeping away boats, and leaving communities isolated.
The Charco Mono dam in Palma Soriano is fully overflowed, while Contramaestre, Segundo Frente, and San Luis report flooded roads and isolated areas.
A Historic Hurricane
Melissa, which intensified to a Category 5 hurricane as it swept over Jamaica—marking the strongest hurricane in the island's 174-year recorded history—entered Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, yet with a vast area of influence.
The storm maintains sustained winds of up to 195 km/h, with storm surges between 2.5 and 3.5 meters above sea level along the southeastern coast, accompanied by large, destructive waves.
Cuban authorities have confirmed the evacuation of more than 735,000 people in the eastern provinces, describing it as one of the largest protection operations since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
However, widespread blackouts and lack of connectivity are hindering access to information and immediate aid for many communities.
Civil Defense Urges Residents to Stay Indoors
Civil Defense officials emphasize that the coming hours will be critical, particularly in the municipalities of El Cobre, Guamá, Palma Soriano, and Contramaestre, where the threat of further landslides persists.
"Protecting human life is the priority," local authorities stressed. "Do not leave your homes or attempt to cross rivers or flooded areas."
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Santiago de Cuba awakens to a landscape marked by anxiety, destruction, and resilience, as emergency teams race against time and extreme conditions to rescue those stranded in El Cobre—emblematic of the human impact of a devastating phenomenon already ranking among the Caribbean's most violent hurricanes of the century.
FAQs on Hurricane Melissa's Impact in Cuba
What areas in Cuba have been most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
The eastern region of Cuba, particularly Santiago de Cuba province, has been severely affected, with El Cobre and surrounding areas experiencing landslides and flooding.
How many people have been evacuated due to the hurricane?
More than 735,000 individuals have been evacuated from the eastern provinces of Cuba as part of a large-scale protection operation.