On Saturday, a military helicopter flew over the flood-stricken areas of the Cauto River in Granma Province, where residents were seen desperately raising their hands for assistance. This scene was one of many left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa's destructive path through the region.
The dramatic aerial footage, released by Granma's local television station, reveals the river's swollen basin and the communities cut off by the rising waters.
Subsequent posts shared in local Facebook groups showed a military helicopter landing to evacuate dozens of stranded individuals.
Hurricane Melissa has severely impacted eastern Cuba, causing the Cauto River to overflow and isolating numerous rural communities. In the Río Cauto municipality, relentless rains have submerged homes, severed roads, and forced hundreds to seek refuge in emergency shelters.
Local media outlets, including CMKX Radio Bayamo, reported that the crisis remains dire in areas like Guamo and Los Cayos. Rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts focused on evacuating residents and distributing humanitarian aid.
Authorities continue to warn of potential additional flooding due to the persistent rainfall affecting the region.
In the early hours of Saturday, nearly 3,000 people were evacuated as the river's levels rose alarmingly.
FAQs on the Cauto River Floods
What caused the Cauto River to flood?
The flooding of the Cauto River was caused by the heavy rains brought by Hurricane Melissa, which led to the river overflowing its banks and isolating several communities.
How many people have been evacuated due to the floods?
Nearly 3,000 individuals were evacuated early Saturday morning as a precautionary measure against the rising floodwaters.
Which areas are most affected by the flooding?
The areas of Guamo and Los Cayos are among the most severely affected, with ongoing rescue operations and distribution of aid to those in need.