Authorities in Yara, a municipality in Granma, have issued a warning to residents due to rising river levels following the discharge from the Paso Malo Dam. This situation poses potential risks for several areas located downstream of the reservoir.
This alert was issued by Yosvanys Reyes Fernández, the president of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power in Yara. He urged the local population to exercise extreme caution as water levels remain elevated, according to reports from state-run CMKX Radio Bayamo.
"It's advised not to cross the Jobosí bridge or visit nearby areas while the water level remains high," stated the official.
Reyes Fernández explained that the dam's discharge previously reached 118 cubic meters per second and had decreased to 91.8 m³/s at the time of reporting, indicating a gradual reduction in flow. Nevertheless, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
The Paso Malo Dam, situated on the Yara River, is one of the most significant hydraulic structures in eastern Cuba. Its automatic spillway system releases water downstream once storage capacity is exceeded without manual intervention, heightening the risk for nearby communities.
According to the facility’s parameters, a flow of 150 m³/s could reach the Yara-Jobosí bridge level; at 300 m³/s, flooding begins in lower areas, and at 500 m³/s, the municipal head could experience impacts.
Heavy Rains Amplify Risks Across Eastern Provinces
The warning in Yara comes amid a period of intense rainfall affecting several eastern provinces. On Saturday, flooding was also reported in Holguín city after a river overflowed on Mendieta Street, with water levels reaching between 30 and 50 centimeters.
This precipitation is primarily driven by a persistent trough over eastern Cuba, increasing the flood risk in provinces such as Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo during early June, coinciding with the onset of the hurricane season.
Earlier this month, a severe local storm caused flooding in Bayamo, with submerged streets, uprooted trees, and disruptions to electrical services.
Historical Context of Dam Spills in Granma
Granma residents are acutely aware of the dangers posed by dam discharges. In November 2025, the Paso Malo, Bueycito, and Derivadora Yao reservoirs simultaneously overflowed, leading to the evacuation of approximately 150 people in Yara and isolating thousands of families in other parts of the province.
The current rainy season finds Cuba grappling with deteriorating infrastructure, challenges in the electrical system, and scarce resources to handle emergencies, all of which increase the vulnerability of numerous communities to extreme weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions about River Levels and Dam Safety in Granma
What are the potential risks associated with the Paso Malo Dam spill?
The spill from the Paso Malo Dam can lead to rising river levels, which pose risks of flooding in areas downstream, especially if water flow reaches or exceeds critical thresholds.
How is the local government responding to the rising river levels?
Local authorities, led by Yosvanys Reyes Fernández, are actively monitoring the situation and advising residents to take precautions, such as avoiding certain areas and staying informed about changes in water levels.
What is causing the heavy rainfall in eastern Cuba?
The heavy rainfall is attributed to a persistent trough over eastern Cuba, which has heightened the risk of flooding in several provinces during the early part of the hurricane season.