In the Reparto Ojeda neighborhood of Bayamo, Granma, local residents were compelled to carry an elderly man's coffin by foot after the funeral car failed to arrive. The floodwaters inside the deceased's home had risen to approximately 1.80 meters due to Hurricane Melissa's impact.
In what stands out as one of the most harrowing events during the floods caused by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba, the residents had no choice but to transport the body of the elderly man, as reported by internet user Hermes Yasell-CubaFace.
The identity of the elderly man, who reportedly succumbed to one of the arbovirus diseases circulating in Cuba, has not been revealed.
Initial footage from Granma's capital showed streets transformed into rivers, uprooted trees, and fierce winds that hindered emergency operations.
Videos shared by official accounts depicted tilted power poles, streets submerged in front of public buildings, and residential areas underwater, illustrating why funeral services couldn't reach Reparto Ojeda.
Local reports indicated that the heaviest rainfall in Granma province occurred in the municipalities of Jiguaní (159 mm), Guisa (123 mm), Bayamo (117 mm), Media Luna (112 mm), and Cauto Cristo (107 mm).
Three reservoirs—Paso Malo (Bartolomé Masó), Corojo (Guisa), and Derivadora Vicana (Media Luna)—were overflowing, increasing the risk of further flooding and complicating emergency responses.
Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) located Melissa at 2:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, October 29, with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h), moving northeast at 15 mph (24 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 974 mb.
Hurricane warnings remained in effect for the southeast and central Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas. Additionally, tropical storm warnings were issued for Haiti, Camagüey (Cuba), and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The NHC cautioned about rainfall of 10–20 inches, with peaks of 25 inches over mountainous terrain in eastern Cuba, and a dangerous storm surge in the southeast Bahamas.
The situation on the ground led to critical incidents such as the shoulder transport of a coffin in Bayamo, along with partial collapses, power outages, and road hazards due to fallen cables and debris carried by the current.
Despite forecasts predicting a faster northeastward movement of Melissa, residual moisture continued to fuel showers, keeping river levels high, while reservoirs overflowed and local authorities urged extreme caution.
Meteorological and civil protection services emphasized the importance of residents staying in safe locations and avoiding flooded areas, as storm surges and heavy rains continued to affect eastern Cuba.
The persistent combination of heavy rain, strong winds, and saturated soil kept the emergency ongoing in Granma, particularly in Bayamo and its surroundings, where some of the storm's most dramatic scenes unfolded.
Impact of Hurricane Melissa on Cuba
What were the main impacts of Hurricane Melissa in Bayamo?
Hurricane Melissa caused severe flooding in Bayamo, leading to streets becoming rivers, uprooted trees, and power outages. Residents had to carry an elderly man's coffin by foot due to the high water levels.
How did Hurricane Melissa affect the infrastructure in Granma?
The hurricane caused significant damage to infrastructure in Granma, with tilted power poles, flooded streets, and disruptions in emergency services. Overflowing reservoirs added to the challenges.
What precautions were advised during Hurricane Melissa?
Authorities advised residents to stay in safe locations, avoid flooded areas, and remain vigilant as heavy rains and storm surges continued to impact the region.