The relentless downpour from early Saturday has once again caused the Miel River to swell, submerging several low-lying areas in Baracoa, Guantánamo province. This resurgence has rekindled fears among residents of a repeat of past disasters.
Images shared on social media by pro-government user Carlos Pérez depict streets transformed into rivers, homes flooded, and families scrambling to safeguard their belongings.
Local citizens, via the Primada Visión page, reported that the neighborhoods most impacted include Bohórquez (streets 7 and 9), Cabacú (streets 13 and 15), Reparto Dap, Dos Caminos, the Combinado Cárnico area (Slaughterhouse), and Vega Larga.
Warnings on these posts highlighted the "critical state on Street 7 of Bohórquez," accompanied by photos showing water encroaching on porches, yards, and roads.
Some locals have expressed frustration, noting the surprise of the flood caught them without evacuation plans and lacking immediate assistance from authorities.
Images further reveal homes and schools soaked with water after the flooding.
Particularly in Cabacú, waterlogged streets and corridors have forced the suspension of daily activities as the extent of the damage is assessed.
Affected facilities include the ESBU Adriano Galano Coutín and the "8 de Octubre" Pioneers Camp, where flooding reached corridors and caused damage to perimeter fences.
According to reports, the management teams and staff of these centers have begun sanitation and cleaning efforts to resume normal operations "as soon as possible," pending the receding water levels and confirmed area safety.
The Miel River's rise also impacted the suspension bridge leading to Vega Larga, an essential structure for resident transit and supply transport.
While no major structural damage has been reported, the passage was compromised during the peak of the flood.
Subsequent updates from Cabacú indicate that water levels have decreased, and currently, there is no threat to the population, according to local authorities.
Officials also assert that local structures are addressing the situation, with ongoing monitoring of the river's behavior and weather conditions.
Baracoa, recognized as Cuba's "Primada," has frequently been one of the areas hardest hit by rainfall in recent years.
Communities like Boca de Miel remain largely cut off, with roads destroyed, electricity out, and basic services unstable. This fragility means every intense downpour renews the fear of isolation.
Residents criticize unmet official promises for infrastructure repair and improvements, noting that the combination of a rapidly swelling river and weak infrastructure turns each storm into a threat to their safety and livelihoods.
As local authorities maintain that there is no immediate danger, Baracoa's residents continue sharing videos and photos of the flooding and cleanup efforts, documenting the impacts and demanding substantial solutions for a vulnerability that, they warn, recurs annually without structural responses.
FAQs About the Miel River Flooding in Baracoa
What areas in Baracoa were most affected by the Miel River flood?
The neighborhoods most affected include Bohórquez, Cabacú, Reparto Dap, Dos Caminos, the Combinado Cárnico area, and Vega Larga.
How did residents respond to the flood?
Residents were caught off guard without evacuation plans and lacked immediate support from authorities. Many worked to protect their belongings and document the situation.
What impact did the flood have on local infrastructure?
The flood caused waterlogging in homes, schools, and streets, especially affecting facilities like the ESBU Adriano Galano Coutín and the "8 de Octubre" Pioneers Camp.