The municipality of Sagua de Tánamo in Holguín province is among the hardest hit areas in eastern Cuba after Hurricane Melissa made landfall early in the morning as a powerful Category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
As Wednesday began, social media users shared striking images and videos of streets turned into rivers and homes partially submerged. The overflowing Sagua River has led to significant flooding in various parts of the area.
Residents report that water levels have reached unprecedented heights, inundating homes, businesses, and main roads. Some locals were forced to seek refuge in higher ground.
Hurricane's Eye Over Holguín
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), at 5:00 am, the eye of Hurricane Melissa was situated over Holguín province, moving slowly northeast at 19 km/h. The storm is expected to exit into the sea within the next couple of hours, though its effects will continue to be felt across much of eastern Cuba throughout the day.
Sustained winds are reaching 185 km/h, with stronger gusts causing trees to fall, electrical poles to collapse, and roofs to be torn off. Near Guantánamo Bay, at Leeward Point Field, gusts of up to 120 km/h were recorded, according to reports from Cuba's Meteorological Institute.
Torrential Rain and Saturated Ground
Melissa has unleashed torrential rains over Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, and Las Tunas, prompting authorities to activate emergency protocols and evacuate thousands to state shelters or safe homes. Rainfall totals may exceed 500 millimeters, with mountain areas like the Sierra Maestra seeing up to 625 mm, leading to landslides and partial collapses in rural communities.
In Sagua de Tánamo, the saturated ground and river overflow have worsened the situation. Rescue and Salvage teams, alongside medical personnel and volunteers, remain deployed to assist those affected.
Emergency Situation in Eastern Cuba
The tropical storm force wind field of Melissa extends nearly 300 kilometers from its center, broadening the impact radius across the eastern region. Local authorities caution that, despite the cyclone's anticipated departure in the coming hours, persistent rains could continue to cause catastrophic flooding.
The Provincial Defense Council of Holguín has urged residents not to attempt crossing rivers or flooded areas, while Electric and Telecommunications Company teams work to restore disrupted services. With Melissa still affecting Cuban territory, the nation faces one of its most challenging days of the current hurricane season, grappling with substantial damage to homes, roads, and electrical systems, as entire communities strive to recover from the hurricane's wrath.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Sagua de Tánamo
What were the main effects of Hurricane Melissa on Sagua de Tánamo?
Hurricane Melissa caused severe flooding due to the overflow of the Sagua River, inundating homes, businesses, and main roads. Residents experienced unprecedented water levels, forcing some to seek refuge on higher ground.
How fast were the winds during Hurricane Melissa in Holguín?
The sustained winds reached 185 km/h, with even stronger gusts causing significant damage such as fallen trees, collapsed electrical poles, and torn-off roofs.
What measures did authorities take in response to the hurricane?
Authorities activated emergency protocols, evacuated thousands to shelters, and deployed rescue teams alongside medical personnel and volunteers to assist the affected population.