In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, intense rainfall resulted in a significant landslide on the Moa-Baracoa highway in Holguín province. This event has left six communities in Moa municipality isolated and has halted traffic towards Baracoa in neighboring Guantánamo, according to official reports.
Approximately 15 kilometers from the mining town, the landslide obliterated a section of the road, creating a chasm over 80 meters long and about 30 meters deep. This has made it impossible for vehicles to pass in either direction, as confirmed by Camilo Velazco Petittón, director of La Voz del Níquel radio station.
The affected Moa communities, including Punta Gorda, Quemado del Negro, Cañete, Cupey, Cayo Grande de Yamanigüey, and Yamanigüey, have been cut off since early Wednesday.
Local authorities have ordered the construction of a detour to restore traffic flow. As of Thursday, workers from the "Pedro Sotto Alba" and "Ernesto Che Guevara" factories are working on a temporary route to enable vehicle passage in both directions, the source indicated.
Drivers have been cautioned that the damaged section remains closed and is not safe for travel in either direction. Recovery efforts continue amid challenging weather conditions, with assessments of the damages and enhancements to road safety measures underway.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba in the early hours of October 29, entering through Chivirico in Guamá municipality, on the southern coast of Santiago de Cuba province. It struck as a Category 3 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h and a central pressure of 952 millibars.
Esteemed as extremely dangerous and destructive by both Cuban and American meteorologists, the powerful tropical system unleashed torrential rains, storm surges, and fierce wind gusts, primarily impacting the eastern provinces.
Severe flooding and landslides were reported in Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Holguín, leaving numerous areas cut off. The storm also caused structural damage to homes, roads, hospitals, electrical networks, and other infrastructure.
In El Cobre, the Catholic Church authorities reported a fatality during the cyclone's devastating passage. The storm ravaged homes and facilities, inflicting significant damage on the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, Cuba's Patron Saint.
In recent hours, several rescue operations have been conducted in eastern Cuba to save individuals trapped in flood-submerged communities. Efforts to restore basic services are also underway.
Understanding the Impact of Hurricane Melissa on Eastern Cuba
What caused the landslide on the Moa-Baracoa highway?
The landslide was triggered by intense rainfall from Hurricane Melissa, which caused a significant section of the highway to collapse.
Which communities are affected by the highway closure?
The closure has affected the communities of Punta Gorda, Quemado del Negro, Cañete, Cupey, Cayo Grande de Yamanigüey, and Yamanigüey, leaving them isolated.
How are authorities addressing the transportation disruption?
Authorities have initiated the construction of a detour and are working on a temporary route to restore vehicle movement in both directions.
What were the effects of Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa caused severe flooding, landslides, and structural damage, impacting infrastructure and leaving many communities isolated.