Santiago de Cuba woke up on Wednesday to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in the early morning hours.
The city and surrounding areas, including towns like El Cobre, were left with flooded streets, torn-off roofs, and fallen utility poles, revealing the hurricane's destructive path.
Images from El Cobre show significant destruction, with uprooted trees, collapsed power lines, and roads turned into rivers. This scene repeats itself across neighborhoods like Versalles, Flores, San Pedrito, and main roads such as Camilo Cienfuegos Avenue in Contramaestre.
The University of Oriente also suffered substantial damage. Residents shared photos and videos capturing the fierce winds and widespread devastation throughout the province.
In San Pedrito, a partial house collapse and a completely destroyed roof were reported by journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook, documenting the severe impact across Santiago de Cuba. In Palma Soriano, structures lay in ruins at the intersection of Massó and the main avenue.
In Dos Caminos, within San Luis municipality, the community was entirely submerged. One resident shared a heartfelt message: "Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba, right now... My God," alongside an image of the hurricane's aftermath.
Hurricane Melissa Strikes with Force
Hurricane Melissa, deemed extremely dangerous, hit Cuba at 3:10 a.m. on Wednesday, making landfall on the southern coast near El Francés Beach in Guamá. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported sustained winds of 195 km/h and a minimum pressure of 952 millibars, classifying it as a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Although it weakened before reaching Cuba, Melissa left a trail of destruction in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, with damages still being assessed.
Flooded Municipalities and Collapsed Structures
In Guamá, waves exceeded 4 meters, severely damaging coastal homes. Santiago de Cuba's Zona+ recreation center sustained heavy glass damage, while flooding affected the Avenida Patria, Plaza de la Revolución, Mar Verde, and other areas.
El Cobre experienced a nightmarish rise in river levels, damaging vital structures like the command post and cultural center. Palma Soriano saw its Charco Mono dam overflow after a deluge of over 150 millimeters of rain in under an hour.
Contramaestre is grappling with submerged roads, fallen trees, and blocked access routes. Flores and Camilo Cienfuegos Avenue are similarly affected. In Segundo Frente and San Luis, connectivity is severed, with Poza Blanca's productive area underwater.
Ongoing Emergency: Critical Hours Ahead
Journalist Cusco Tarradell described the province's situation as "devastating." Rescue teams are working tirelessly in the most affected areas, while Civil Defense remains on high alert, focusing on saving lives.
Authorities emphasize the next five hours are crucial as Melissa's rainbands continue to batter the region, posing risks of further landslides. Residents are urged to stay indoors and follow official updates.
Cuba faces this natural disaster amid profound vulnerability. The eastern province has long struggled with weak infrastructure, fragile power grids, and stressed agricultural sectors. The compounded crises—economic, energy, and agricultural—intensify the impact of extreme weather events.
FAQs on Hurricane Melissa's Impact in Santiago de Cuba
What were the main areas affected by Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage in El Cobre, Palma Soriano, Contramaestre, and various neighborhoods such as Versalles, Flores, and San Pedrito.
How strong was Hurricane Melissa when it made landfall in Cuba?
When Hurricane Melissa hit Cuba, it was classified as a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 195 km/h.
What measures are being taken to address the aftermath of the hurricane?
Rescue and salvage teams are active in severely affected areas, and Civil Defense is prioritizing human safety while advising residents to stay informed and indoors.