The recently concluded wet season in Sancti Spíritus recorded only 66.6% of the historical average rainfall, marking it as the driest in the past decade. This leaves the province with significantly depleted water reservoirs.
Experts have classified the central province's wet season as "moderately dry."
The main cause of this deterioration is the rainfall pattern between May and September, during which no month exceeded 85% of the historical average.
October was an outlier, recording 110.7% of the average and becoming the rainiest month in the decade, as reported by the official newspaper Escambray.
Despite this temporary improvement, the overall deficit remains. The municipalities of Fomento, Trinidad, Taguasco, and Yaguajay benefited the most, though they still did not reach 90% of their usual rainfall totals.
On the opposite end, La Sierpe, Cabaiguán, and Sancti Spíritus were severely impacted by the drought.
The provincial summary from January to October shows just 853 millimeters of rain, equating to 64.3% of the average, confirming an annual pattern also described as "moderately dry."
The consequences are starkly evident in the reservoirs, which hold less than 35% of their total capacity.
The Zaza Dam, the largest in the country with a capacity of 1.020 billion cubic meters of water, currently holds less than 265 million cubic meters, about 26% of its storage volume.
Other water bodies like La Felicidad and Dignorah are similarly low, at 27% and 31%, respectively.
Only Tuinucú, Higuanojo, and Banao Dos are in a slightly better state, while Aridanes is an exception, currently releasing water.
This situation highlights that the province is entering the spring drought (from November to April) with resources at their limit and no clear signs of a rainfall recovery to reverse the trend.
At the start of September, the Zaza Dam held only 106.4 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to 12% of its designed capacity, marking the second-lowest level in its history.
Additionally, residents of the main municipality of Sancti Spíritus reported receiving turbid water with a foul smell and insects, a situation acknowledged by authorities and attributed to the drought and issues with water sources.
By mid-September, it was reported that over three million Cubans were suffering from total or partial water shortages nationwide, according to official data.
Hurricane Melissa, while causing destruction in eastern Cuba at the end of September, also led to an unprecedented event: the Protesta de Baraguá reservoir in Santiago de Cuba reached its highest historical water level.
The storm's rains left the province of Guantánamo with nearly full water reserves but with a fragile supply system unable to restore service to thousands of residents affected by power outages and high river turbidity.
Key Questions on Sancti Spíritus Water Crisis
What was the percentage of historical rainfall received in Sancti Spíritus during the recent wet season?
Sancti Spíritus received only 66.6% of the historical average rainfall during the recent wet season.
Which municipalities were most affected by the drought?
La Sierpe, Cabaiguán, and Sancti Spíritus were the municipalities most severely impacted by the drought.
How much water does the Zaza Dam currently hold?
The Zaza Dam currently holds less than 265 million cubic meters of water, which is about 26% of its storage capacity.
What unprecedented event occurred in Santiago de Cuba due to Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa caused the Protesta de Baraguá reservoir in Santiago de Cuba to reach its highest historical water level.