"There are still people left, dear God, help," cried a Cuban woman on Saturday from Río Cauto in Granma province. The area has been severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, leaving numerous families trapped and desperate as rescue teams struggle to reach all impacted locations.
Amanda Yaimee Milanés took to Facebook to alert others that her family, residing in the Santa Rosa community—one of the hardest-hit areas by the Cauto River's rising waters—had not yet been evacuated.
"The Milanés family is still there. When I managed to speak with my dad, they still hadn't been rescued. The helicopter came but picked up people from the concrete house, and they're on the other side, on the roof... dear God, help," she wrote, accompanying her message with an image marked "HELP" in bold red letters.
Her post highlights the distress of numerous families stranded in various parts of the municipality, as rescue operations continue and the water levels, though stable, have yet to recede.
Another user, Day Puty Figueredo Pino, also sought aid through social media: "We need help for those at Santa Rosa 6 and people still on the pontoon; they need to be rescued. Their families are pleading for assistance for those filled with fear and panic."
Later, via the page Revolico Río Cauto, the same user reported that some rescues had been carried out in the Grito de Yara area but emphasized that the situation remained dire.
"Babies are without food; they need milk and sustenance. Families' resources have run out... How long will this continue? Supposedly, we're better off than other places. It's not about who's well or not; it's about providing help for everyone because hunger is also an illness," she wrote.
Granma authorities announced earlier that four helicopters and amphibious army units had been deployed to evacuate people stranded in riverside communities, including Grito de Yara, Guamo, and Santa Rosa, the most affected by the river's overflow. However, local accounts suggest that rescue operations are progressing slowly, and many remain without assistance.
In recent days, reports have surfaced of complete desolation in several parts of the municipality, with residents denouncing "total abandonment," hunger, communication breakdowns, and lack of food. Although hundreds have been relocated to shelters in Bayamo and other municipalities, the emergency persists.
Río Cauto Flooding: Key Questions and Answers
What caused the flooding in Río Cauto?
The flooding in Río Cauto was caused by heavy rains brought by Hurricane Melissa, which led to the Cauto River overflowing and affecting surrounding communities.
How are rescue operations being conducted?
Rescue operations involve helicopters and amphibious army units attempting to evacuate residents from the most affected areas. However, progress has been slow, and many people remain in need of assistance.
What is the current situation for affected families?
Affected families are experiencing severe distress due to shortages of food and communication, with many still waiting for rescue and assistance as the water levels remain high.
What has been the response from local authorities?
Local authorities have deployed helicopters and amphibious units for evacuation efforts, but there are criticisms about the slow progress and insufficient aid reaching all affected areas.