The town of Guamo, nestled in the Río Cauto municipality within Cuba's Granma province, finds itself nearly submerged after the Cauto River, the country's longest, overflowed its banks.
Images circulating on social media paint a grim picture: boats swept into the heart of the town, homes flooded, and families stranded on rooftops awaiting rescue.
Triggered by the torrential rains of Hurricane Melissa, numerous communities have been cut off, compelling local authorities and rescue teams to launch an unprecedented operation to evacuate residents.
In recent hours, hundreds, including pregnant women, mothers with newborns, and children, have been relocated to the 1ro de Enero Multifunctional Hall in Bayamo, now serving as a temporary shelter.
Both aerial and ground footage from CMKX Radio Bayamo underscore the disaster's scale: water levels reaching window sills, while makeshift rafts and private skiffs navigate completely flooded streets.
"Guamo drowned," remarked one user online, sharing videos captured in the last few hours.
Guamo Flood Crisis: Key Questions Answered
What caused the flooding in Guamo?
The flooding in Guamo was caused by the Cauto River overflowing due to torrential rains from Hurricane Melissa.
How are the affected residents being assisted?
Residents are being evacuated and relocated to temporary shelters, such as the 1ro de Enero Multifunctional Hall in Bayamo.