The initial scenes emerging from Bayamo, the heart of Granma Province, reveal a city grappling with severe flooding, toppled trees, and intense wind gusts as Hurricane Melissa barrels through eastern Cuba, unleashing torrential rains.
Footage shared by CMKX Radio Bayamo and CNC TV Granma captures the storm's impact: streets transformed into rivers, leaning electrical poles, and uprooted trees. Some clips depict water inundating sidewalks in front of public buildings and homes throughout the city's center.
Local broadcasters report that the most rain-battered municipalities in Granma include Jiguaní with 159 mm, Guisa at 123 mm, Bayamo with 117 mm, Media Luna at 112 mm, and Cauto Cristo at 107 mm. Three reservoirs—Paso Malo (Bartolomé Masó), Corojo (Guisa), and Derivadora Vicana (Media Luna)—are currently overflowing, heightening the risk of further flooding in the coming hours.
As of 7:00 a.m., CNC TV Granma confirmed that the downpour and gusty winds continued to lash the city, with residents sharing images of rooftops torn away and branches strewn across vehicles. In several residential areas, water has encroached into home entrances, leaving main access points blocked.
"The Bayamo River's water level has reached unprecedented heights," locals reported to the station later in the day.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) stated that Hurricane Melissa's eye was situated over Holguín Province this morning, with sustained winds reaching up to 185 km/h and moving northeast at 19 km/h. Though the hurricane's core did not directly pass over Granma, its outer bands have delivered heavy rainfall to Bayamo and adjacent municipalities.
Meanwhile, in Sagua de Tánamo, Holguín Province, the overflowing Sagua River caused historical floods that submerged homes and businesses, as reported by residents and rescue teams. Further southeast in Santiago de Cuba, dawn unveiled scenes of devastation with flooded streets, detached roofs, and isolated communities.
Authorities have maintained the cyclone alert phase across the eastern region, urging residents to remain indoors until conditions improve. Rescue and Salvage Teams are deployed in Granma to assess the damage and assist those impacted.
The aftermath of Melissa highlights the fragile infrastructure of eastern Cuba, where persistent rain, power outages, and resource shortages exacerbate the daily struggles of countless families.
Impact of Hurricane Melissa on Eastern Cuba
What areas in Granma were most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
The municipalities most affected in Granma include Jiguaní, Guisa, Bayamo, Media Luna, and Cauto Cristo, with significant rainfall recorded in these areas.
How did the local infrastructure fare during the hurricane?
The hurricane exposed the vulnerability of the region's infrastructure, with severe flooding, power outages, and limited resources exacerbating the challenges faced by residents.
What measures are authorities taking in response to the hurricane?
Authorities have activated a cyclone alert phase and are urging residents to stay indoors. Rescue teams are on the ground in Granma to evaluate damage and provide assistance.