A sense of fear has gripped the community of Majibacoa in Las Tunas as over 3,500 residents have been evacuated in a precautionary move due to the looming threat of dam overflows, with several reservoirs already at maximum capacity.
Recent heavy rainfall, exacerbated by already saturated ground following Hurricane Melissa, has brought eastern Cuba to a state of tension. In Majibacoa, the Rincón dam is filled to 96% capacity, while Palmilla, La Luisa, and El Chimbí have reached 100%, according to reports from local media outlet Tiempo 21.
Yamilka Igarza Chacón, head of the Commission for the Protection of the Population, confirmed the relocation of thousands to shelters and relatives' homes as a preventive measure to avert disaster. "The most crucial thing is to safeguard human lives," she emphasized to the local radio station.
Despite reassurances from officials regarding the sound technical condition of the Rincón dam and the "natural" relief process, anxiety remains high among residents in low-lying areas. The ongoing threat of rain, as forecasted by the Institute of Meteorology, keeps many families on edge.
Mirta García Rojas, the provincial delegate for Hydraulic Resources, acknowledged that the Rincón reservoir is the primary concern for the community, though she assured that no "water surges" or sudden releases are anticipated.
Nonetheless, all Defense Councils in Majibacoa, Las Tunas, Puerto Padre, and Jesús Menéndez have been mobilized to respond immediately should water levels rise further.
Out of the province's 23 reservoirs, three have technical issues, while 35 agricultural micro-dams are in a critical state, closely monitored by officials.
In a recent related incident, the town of Guamo in Granma province saw more than 2,600 people evacuated to safe zones after the Cauto River overflowed. The evacuation utilized trains, railbuses, boats, and helicopters.
Transportation Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila confirmed that operations are ongoing this Sunday with support from the Civil Defense, the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
Images shared on social media depicted submerged homes, families taking refuge on rooftops, and railway vehicles navigating through floodwaters. A train comprising 13 cars, carrying over a thousand people, managed to reach Jobabo (Las Tunas) amidst water-covered tracks. Part of the railway was eroded, and several cars detached, yet the crew's skill prevented a disaster.
FAQs on Reservoir Overflow Concerns in Las Tunas
Why were the residents of Majibacoa evacuated?
Residents were evacuated as a precaution due to the risk of dam overflows, with several reservoirs reaching their full capacity following heavy rainfall.
What measures are in place to handle the potential overflow?
Defense Councils have been activated in affected areas to provide immediate response, and residents have been relocated to shelters and relatives' homes to ensure safety.
Is the Rincón dam at risk of causing a flood?
Although the Rincón dam is nearly full, authorities assure it's in good technical condition, and no sudden water surges are expected.