A total of 29 individuals, among them eight children, were successfully evacuated from the La Camilo area after being trapped due to the swollen Cauto River during Hurricane Melissa's impact on Holguín province. This marks the first group to be rescued from the village on Thursday afternoon.
A military helicopter transferred the group, consisting of eight children, 11 women, nine men, and one disabled person, to Urbano Noris, as reported by the local broadcaster, Radio SG La voz del Azúcar.
However, 94 people remain stranded in La Camilo, and efforts are underway to evacuate them gradually, according to official statements.
Military Helicopters in Action
To date, two rescue flights have been conducted utilizing an Eastern Army helicopter. During the initial mission, eight children, four women, and one elderly individual were airlifted to safety.
Earlier on Thursday, Radio SG La voz del Azúcar confirmed that no fatalities had been reported and approximately 150 people, including 25 children, were still awaiting rescue.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
The broadcaster noted that previous attempts to rescue those trapped were unsuccessful due to the swollen river obstructing access. "Conditions remain dire for those affected by the floods in the southern sugarcane region due to the Cauto River's rise," the report stated. However, contact with the isolated individuals revealed that the river level had dropped, allowing them to access food supplies.
Journalist José E. González Marín shared on Facebook that the Cauto River's water levels had decreased, enabling some residents to return to their homes to gather food before returning to the bakery and clinic to await a permanent rescue solution.
Strategizing the Rescue Efforts
Radio reports indicated that FAR leaders were evaluating all options for the evacuation operation. The most feasible approach appears to be entering through Ingenio Viejo in Cauto Cristo, Granma province, to access La Camilo, the report explained.
Additionally, Holguín's party and government officials were providing guidance from the Defense Council in Urbano Noris.
Isolated Communities in Holguín
On Wednesday afternoon, it became evident that the flooding caused by the Cauto River's overflow had isolated several communities in Urbano Noris municipality, Holguín, hindering the completion of rescue operations following Hurricane Melissa's passage.
Local authorities declared a "critical state" due to the floods and identified at least eight ongoing incidents, prioritizing zones such as Estrada, San Bartolo, Travesía, Cauto 3, and the Urbano Sur Popular Council.
Radio SG La voz del Azúcar reported efforts to communicate with residents in Travesía, La Camilo, 20 Rosas, Sabanilla, Saín, Dos Bocas, and Estrada, all awaiting rescue. Despite attempts through various means, the water volume has thwarted these operations, the report asserted.
The adverse weather conditions have hampered repeated attempts to reach these rural settlements. The accumulated water on roads and pathways caused several planned operations to fail, perpetuating the isolation.
By Wednesday afternoon, Eastern Army forces joined rescue efforts, aiding in the evacuation of a group from the rural community of Rey-2 after clearing a section of the San Germán–Holguín route, facilitating access to other still-isolated villages.
Emergency operations have focused on safeguarding residents' lives, maintaining communication with isolated areas, and establishing safe evacuation routes for those at heightened risk.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba at 3:10 AM on Wednesday as a Category 3 cyclone, packing sustained winds of 195 km/h and unleashing torrential rains that heavily impacted the country's eastern region.
Key Questions About Hurricane Melissa's Impact
How many people are still trapped in La Camilo?
Currently, 94 individuals remain trapped in La Camilo and are awaiting gradual evacuation.
What measures are being taken to rescue those stranded?
The military is conducting helicopter rescue missions, and authorities are strategizing entry points to reach isolated communities.
What challenges are faced in the rescue operations?
The swollen Cauto River and adverse weather have obstructed access to stranded communities, complicating rescue attempts.