On Wednesday, Hurricane Melissa struck the province of Holguín with significant force, leading to severe flooding, property damage, and isolated communities after hitting eastern Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane and later weakening to a Category 2 as it moved northeast towards the Bahamas.
According to the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC), "at 8:00 a.m. (Miami time), the eye of Melissa was located at 20.6°N and 75.7°W, about 70 kilometers northwest of Guantánamo and 335 kilometers south of the central Bahamas, with maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h and higher gusts."
The American agency warned that the cyclone "will continue to cause torrential rains and dangerous storm surges, especially in the mountainous areas of eastern Cuba and along the northern coast."
Holguín Streets Transformed into Rivers
On social media, residents, users, activists, and both official and independent journalists have shared accounts that highlight the severe impact in the province.
Lázaro Manuel Alonso described the images emerging from the area as "overwhelming."
José Raúl Gallego shared a video showing the overflowing river near the Catholic church in Banes. "The river near the Catholic church in Banes, Holguín, is rising. I've been told there's a bridge built before '59 about 30 meters from the site that withstood the hurricane," he wrote on Facebook.
Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia posted images on her profile depicting flooding in Cueto.
From the city, a user named Leidi Combos Holguín reported: "This is our situation on Progreso Street, Holguín, Cuba, since around 6 a.m... lots of wind, and if it continues this strong, we will face many material losses, and hopefully, no human casualties."
In Mayarí, Sayuri Martínez shared a video with the message: "What a sad experience my town of Mayarí went through, stay strong, brothers #CubaUnida #HurricaneMelissa."
Willian Martínez Lobaina also shared images of the storm's impact from Sagua de Tánamo: "Hurricane Melissa is hitting Sagua de Tánamo, Holguín province, Cuba, very hard."
Sagua de Tánamo Among the Hardest Hit Areas
The municipality of Sagua de Tánamo in Holguín province is one of the most heavily affected regions in eastern Cuba following Hurricane Melissa's passage. The overflow of the Sagua River has caused severe flooding in various parts of the area, with residents reporting that the water has reached historic levels, inundating homes, businesses, and main roads. Some locals have had to seek refuge in higher ground.
Severe Damage Across Eastern Cuba
The National Hurricane Center noted that "Melissa has lost some of the extreme intensity it had when it made landfall as a Category 3, but it still maintains hurricane-force winds extending 45 km from the center and tropical storm-force winds reaching up to 295 km."
The Provincial Defense Council of Holguín advised the public "not to attempt crossing rivers or flooded areas," while rescue and salvage teams, along with medical personnel and volunteers, remain deployed in several municipalities to assist those affected.
According to the weather report, "Melissa, which on Tuesday reached nearly 300 km/h winds as a historic Category 5 hurricane, is gradually moving away from Cuba, but it leaves behind catastrophic rains, structural damage, and power outages in much of the eastern part of the country."
The system continues on its path towards the southeastern Bahamas, although the storm's effects persist in Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Guantánamo, and Las Tunas, where heavy rains and the risk of landslides remain.
Understanding the Impact of Hurricane Melissa on Eastern Cuba
What category was Hurricane Melissa when it hit Holguín?
Hurricane Melissa was a Category 3 hurricane when it struck Holguín before weakening to a Category 2 as it moved towards the Bahamas.
Which areas in eastern Cuba were most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
Sagua de Tánamo in Holguín province was one of the hardest hit areas, experiencing severe flooding from the overflowing Sagua River. Other affected regions include Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Guantánamo, and Las Tunas.
How did local communities respond to the hurricane's impact?
Local communities took to social media to share their experiences and the extent of the damage. Many sought refuge in higher ground, and local authorities advised against crossing flooded areas.