In Granma province's Rio Cauto, a young woman is making a public plea for assistance to find her father, an operator who reportedly became trapped by the rising waters of the Cauto River while on his work shift.
In a Facebook video, she expressed that approximately 72 hours have passed without a clear response from authorities about the whereabouts or condition of her father, Pablo López Infante. She criticized the conflicting reports amidst a flood-stricken municipality.
She explained that her father had gone "to fulfill his work duties" and ended up isolated at the Miradero electrical substation, near the Cauto River.
According to her account, he was "stranded on the substation's roof" alongside the on-duty guard.
A family-cited witness last saw him "on top of a roof." The daughter shared a video to "push for answers," describing the rising waters and her family's desperation — including the missing man's grandfather, who has a pacemaker — due to the lack of verifiable information.
The young woman reported receiving inconsistent messages from various sources.
She mentioned that the "president" called her father "a hero" who "chose to stay" at the station; later, the head of substations in Bayamo informed her that he "couldn't fit in the helicopter" dispatched to the area. Finally, a military regional official told her that her father "is in Rio Cauto."
The family argues that these accounts contradict one another and demand "clear and verifiable" information.
Simultaneously, they protest that promises of a "helicopter" or "boat" for the rescue have not been fulfilled, while the neighborhood remains flooded.
The daughter emphasized that her father "did not refuse to work" despite the cyclone's aftermath and criticized the institutional "lack of coordination." She claims her family and other residents were relocated by community efforts to Vado del Yeso.
A local electrical company executive even admitted to her about "poor decisions" which, in her opinion, should not endanger the operator's life.
"The president of the electrical company's management in Rio Cauto told me they made poor decisions, and my dad shouldn't lose his life over an organization's bad call. I need someone to give me something concrete," she concluded in her message, reiterating her plea for help and transparency.
Until the worker's location is officially confirmed, the family continues to urge sharing the plea and providing any information that could aid in finding and safely evacuating him.
Dire Situation in Rio Cauto
Families in Rio Cauto have reported that the water is rising rapidly, demanding "accurate information" and immediate help in a scenario they describe as "unprecedented," with streets and homes submerged and areas cut off.
Messages circulating on social media question claims that "everything was under control" and warn that "nothing will remain in Rio Cauto" if reinforcements and basic supplies don't arrive.
Amidst this distressing atmosphere, military and technical authorities announced that the Cauto River began to recede between Cauto Cristo (Granma) and Baraguá (Santiago de Cuba), although they acknowledged that several communities remain flooded with ongoing rescue operations.
Cuban complaints indicate the situation is far from managed: "Tell me this isn't true, right now in Rio Cauto, people are fleeing and evacuating as they can, and the government says everything is calm. What a bold-faced lie, hypocrites. Try to ensure no more families suffer because I will denounce your negligence wherever necessary."
A commission, including leaders from the Revolutionary Armed Forces — such as the Chief of Engineering and the Chief of the Eastern Army's General Staff — and specialists from the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources, toured Cauto Cristo and Rio Cauto, the most affected municipality post-Hurricane Melissa, and ordered continued evacuations and monitoring of reservoirs and the river's lower course.
FAQs on Rio Cauto Floods and Rescue Efforts
What caused the flooding in Rio Cauto?
The flooding in Rio Cauto was primarily caused by the overflowing of the Cauto River due to heavy rains following Hurricane Melissa.
How are authorities responding to the crisis in Rio Cauto?
Authorities have been conducting rescue operations and monitoring water levels. However, there are criticisms regarding the coordination and communication of their efforts.
What challenges are families in Rio Cauto facing?
Families in Rio Cauto are dealing with rapidly rising waters, lack of basic supplies, and insufficient communication from authorities regarding rescue and relief efforts.