Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the head of Santiago de Cuba's Provincial Defense Council, acknowledged on Wednesday the "extremely challenging" conditions facing the province following Hurricane Melissa's direct impact.
The hurricane made landfall in the early morning hours in the southern part of the province, unleashing winds exceeding 118 mph and relentless torrential rains that continue to batter the area.
In a televised statement, Johnson painted a grim picture, citing severe flooding, partial collapses, and significant material damage across numerous municipalities.
"It is our duty to inform our nation's citizens about the province's extremely challenging situation. Heavy rain is pervasive across Santiago de Cuba, and the winds are notably strong," she stated.
Johnson clarified that the hurricane struck the Santiago region around 3:05 AM near Aserradero, affecting areas such as Palma Soriano, Maidío, and Santiago de Cuba itself.
"Many are reaching out to report their situations. It's a quite complex scenario that we've been managing throughout the night," she added. "In the coming hours, once the winds subside, we will have a clearer understanding of the situation."
Devastation Across the Province
As daylight broke, initial images shared on social media and local outlets revealed the extent of the destruction.
Flooded streets, fallen utility poles, torn-off roofs, and uprooted trees characterize the scene in Santiago city and other provincial municipalities.
The towns of El Cobre, Palma Soriano, San Luis, and Contramaestre are among the hardest hit. In El Cobre, the swollen local river demolished the command post, the Casa de Cultura, and several nearby homes in the Melgarejo area.
In Palma Soriano, the Charco Mono dam overflowed after receiving over 5.9 inches of rain in under an hour, causing floods in rural communities. Contramaestre reports blocked roads, fallen trees and poles, and completely inundated highways.
The University of Oriente sustained structural damage, while the Zona+ recreational center lost much of its glassware due to the forceful winds.
In central city areas like Patria Avenue, Revolution Square, Mar Verde, and Americas Avenue, floods have submerged vast stretches of public roads, as reported by journalist Cuscó Tarradell.
In Dos Caminos, San Luis municipality, residents woke up surrounded by water. "We are cut off; the water reached our doorstep," a local resident told the Sierra Maestra outlet.
The Civil Defense maintains a maximum alert, with rescue and salvage teams operating in various parts of the province, although efforts are hampered by ongoing rain and downed power lines.
Melissa's Devastating Impact
Hurricane Melissa, which reached Category 5 while ravaging Jamaica, entered Cuba weakened to a Category 3 via Playa El Francés in Guamá municipality, with sustained winds of 121 mph and a central pressure of 952 millibars, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).
As of 8:00 AM, the storm's eye was approximately 43 miles northwest of Guantánamo, moving north-northeast at 14 mph, with winds of 102 mph.
The hurricane is expected to leave Cuban territory by late morning or midday, though rain bands will continue to affect the eastern region throughout the day.
Cumulative rainfall since Tuesday has exceeded 9.8 inches in Santiago de Cuba and 11.8 inches in the Sierra Maestra, heightening the risk of flash floods and landslides.
Worsening Crisis Amid Existing Challenges
Melissa's onslaught comes as Santiago de Cuba grapples with structural deterioration, prolonged power outages, and shortages of essential resources, exacerbating the hurricane's impact.
"The coming hours will be critical," warned Cuscó Tarradell, describing a "devastating" situation throughout the province.
With damaged electrical infrastructure, numerous communities cut off, and rural areas submerged, the outlook for eastern Cuba remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Beatriz Johnson assured that the Provincial Defense Council would continue assessing the damage and coordinating rescue efforts.
"The most important thing now is to protect human lives and ensure no one is left without aid," she affirmed.
Key Questions About Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Santiago de Cuba
What areas of Santiago de Cuba were most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
The towns of El Cobre, Palma Soriano, San Luis, and Contramaestre experienced severe damage, including floods, infrastructure damage, and blocked roads.
How has the local government responded to the crisis?
The Provincial Defense Council, led by Beatriz Johnson, is actively evaluating damage and coordinating rescue operations to protect lives and provide aid.
What is the current status of power and communication in the affected areas?
Many areas are without power and communication due to fallen utility poles and infrastructure damage, complicating rescue and relief efforts.