In the Río Cauto municipality of Granma province, families have raised alarm over the swift rise of floodwaters, urging for "accurate information" and immediate assistance amid a crisis they describe as "unprecedented." Streets and homes are submerged, and some areas have become inaccessible.
Social media messages challenge official claims that "everything was under control," warning that "nothing will be left in Río Cauto" unless reinforcements and essential supplies arrive soon.
"Please help Río Cauto, the water is rising very fast, something never seen before, I urgently call on all Cuban authorities," wrote internet user Maylen Oyacita.
Amid this tension, military and technical authorities reported a decrease in the Cauto River's water level between Cauto Cristo (Granma) and Baraguá (Santiago de Cuba). However, they acknowledged that several communities remain flooded and ongoing rescue operations are required.
Cuban citizens' complaints suggest the situation is far from controlled: "Tell me this is a lie, right now in Río Cauto people are fleeing, evacuating as they can, and yet the government claims everything is calm. What nerve, hypocrites. You must ensure no more families are harmed, or I will report your negligence anywhere," one resident stated.
A commission, including leaders from the Revolutionary Armed Forces—such as the Chief of Engineering and the Chief of the Eastern Army General Staff—and specialists from the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources, toured Cauto Cristo and Río Cauto, the area hardest hit by the rains and overflow after Hurricane Melissa. They decided to continue evacuations and maintain surveillance on reservoirs and the lower river course.
Marbelis Campos Busquet, the provincial delegate of the INRH, assured that Granma's 11 reservoirs are in "perfect technical condition," with nine reaching their maximum levels while controlled overflow continues.
However, saturated soil and accumulated water complicate recovery efforts and maintain risk levels in riverbank settlements.
On Facebook, residents shared images of neighborhoods in the main town and communities like Trinidad with water inside homes and roads cut off, contrasting with the official perception that the situation is under control.
The Civil Defense maintained a cyclone alarm phase for the municipalities of Río Cauto and Cauto Cristo due to the complex hydrological situation, while declaring a recovery phase for the rest of Granma province and Santiago de Cuba, warning that the danger remains "critical and hazardous" in the aforementioned areas.
Simultaneously, over 1,300 residents of Guamo were evacuated overnight to Jobabo (Las Tunas) due to the imminent risk of new rises, as support brigades continued rescue efforts and the relocation of vulnerable individuals.
On the ground, testimonies emphasize the urgent need for food, drinking water, energy, and operational communication means to coordinate aid, as well as boats or large vehicles capable of navigating the flooded areas.
The combination of overflowing riverbeds, saturated soil, and full reservoirs keeps numerous residents isolated, who request clarity on the river's behavior and instructions on ensuring their safety and protecting their belongings.
While institutions claim the Cauto's water level is gradually decreasing, families insist that the water remains in their neighborhoods and call for effective responses and assistance.
Key Questions About the Río Cauto Flooding Crisis
What caused the rapid flooding in Río Cauto?
The flooding in Río Cauto was primarily caused by the overflow of the Cauto River following heavy rains from Hurricane Melissa, along with saturated soil and full reservoirs.
How are residents of Río Cauto responding to the flooding?
Residents are urgently calling for help and clear information from the authorities, sharing their needs for food, water, and safe evacuation routes on social media.
What measures are being taken by authorities in response to the crisis?
Authorities have dispatched a commission to evaluate and respond to the situation, continue evacuations, and keep a watchful eye on reservoirs and river levels.