Cauto River Returns to Normal Levels After Severe Flooding

Following days of severe flooding, the Cauto River, Cuba's longest waterway, has finally receded to its usual levels. This was confirmed by CMKX Radio Bayamo, which reported the aftermath of the flooding that severely impacted communities in Granma and Holguín provinces.

The overflow of the Cauto, exacerbated by the relentless rains of Hurricane Melissa, left numerous areas submerged, leading to evacuations, destruction of homes, loss of crops, and significant damage to local infrastructure.

Throughout the middle and lower stretches of the river, the floodwaters covered streets, homes, farmland, and rural paths.

After what local media described as a dramatic rise in water levels, the river has now calmed, bringing a sense of relief to riverside communities that were isolated for nearly a week.

The Cauto River, originating in the Santiago de Cuba municipality of Palma Soriano and emptying into the Gulf of Guacanayabo, holds the title of Cuba's longest and second most voluminous river.

This flooding primarily affected the municipalities of Cauto Cristo, Río Cauto, Jiguaní, and low-lying areas of Bayamo, where damage assessments are ongoing.

The floodwaters forced the evacuation of thousands and necessitated aerial rescues for residents stranded on rooftops.

Local authorities reported widespread inundation of homes and significant damage to fields of rice, bananas, and yucca, as well as to rural infrastructure, bridges, and roads.

Despite the receding waters, the full extent of the economic losses remains difficult to determine.

Now that the river has stabilized, efforts can focus on sanitation, repairing homes, and distributing food and potable water in the hardest-hit areas, according to the regime.