In the early hours of Friday, over a thousand residents of Guamo, located in Granma province, were swiftly evacuated to the municipality of Jobabo in Las Tunas. This urgent measure was taken due to the looming threat of flooding from the rising Cauto River, following the torrential rains brought by Hurricane Melissa, which struck Cuba on October 28.
According to a post on Facebook by CNC TV Granma, "The evacuation is being conducted urgently, with families being relocated to the 'Manifiesto de Montecristi' Polytechnic, where necessary logistical arrangements are in place for their shelter. An additional influx of 5,000 to 7,000 evacuees is anticipated throughout the day."
Yaidel Miguel Rodríguez Castro provided details that approximately 1,300 individuals were initially transported by train to the evacuation center at the IPA Manifiesto de Montecristi in Jobabo, where they are receiving care and lodging.
Local authorities have coordinated the transportation and logistical provisions necessary for the evacuees. Further arrivals from Guamo are expected in the coming hours.
The evacuation was described as "unexpected," carried out in the early morning hours with an urgent warning as the river's rise began threatening a nearby dam.
Rodríguez noted on Facebook, "The response was immediate. A swift deployment of vehicles, workers, and officials ensured the families' safety." He further explained that in light of the emergency, local authorities diverted bread intended for the municipal population to provide breakfast for the over one thousand evacuees. "Solidarity prevails," he remarked, assuring that the bread supply for Jobabo residents would be restocked by the afternoon or the following morning.
The rising water levels have placed several communities near the Cauto River on high alert.
Day Puty Figueredo Pino, a user from the Grito de Yara area in Granma, reported flooded homes and streets submerged under water. "The water is already inside the houses... we have no communication and haven't slept," a resident lamented on social media.
The situation has worsened due to the persistent rainfall that began with Hurricane Melissa, whose rain bands have caused reservoirs to overflow and several rivers in eastern Cuba to burst their banks.
Family members from the Cauto de Paso area have also warned of individuals trapped in flooded zones and difficulties in reaching rescue teams. "They're above the village shop, and they were supposed to be picked up, but no one has shown up yet," a user wrote in a desperate plea on Facebook.
Local outlets such as La Demajagua have also confirmed the evacuation of hundreds of Guamo residents to Jobabo. They highlighted that the Municipal Defense Council is working on receiving more displaced individuals with the support of territorial structures.
No casualties have been reported so far, but the situation in Granma and Las Tunas remains critical due to the high risk of significant flooding in the Cauto River basin, the longest river in Cuba.
Key Questions about the Granma Evacuation due to Cauto River Flooding
What caused the evacuation in Granma?
The evacuation in Granma was prompted by the imminent threat of flooding from the rising Cauto River, exacerbated by heavy rains from Hurricane Melissa.
Where were the evacuees relocated?
Evacuees from Guamo were relocated to Jobabo in Las Tunas, specifically to the 'Manifiesto de Montecristi' Polytechnic, where they are provided with necessary shelter and care.
How many people are expected to be evacuated?
Authorities anticipate the evacuation of between 5,000 to 7,000 individuals from the affected areas.
What measures were taken to ensure the safety of evacuees?
A swift deployment of vehicles and personnel was organized to transport evacuees, and local authorities redirected food supplies, such as bread, to provide meals for those displaced.