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Landslide Threatens Safety on Bayamo-Manzanillo Highway

Saturday, September 5, 2026 by Richard Morales

Landslide Threatens Safety on Bayamo-Manzanillo Highway
Landslide on Manzanillo-Bayamo road - Image by © Facebook / Christian Arbolaez

A landslide has created a hazardous situation at kilometer 30.4 of the Bayamo-Manzanillo highway, particularly in the segment known as Macuto. This warning comes from the Provincial Road Safety Commission of Granma and was shared by CNC TV Granma on Saturday.

The landslide caused erosion on the slope of the road that runs alongside the Río Buey, posing severe risks especially for those traveling from Manzanillo to Bayamo.

Authorities are urging drivers to avoid using the lane closest to the affected area due to the significant danger it poses to vehicles and their passengers.

The official notice also emphasizes the importance of taking extra precautions and adhering to traffic signs installed in the region: "All drivers are warned to take extra precautions, respect traffic signs, and refrain from using the lane near the affected area due to the high risk involved."

The report does not specify whether the road has been completely closed or if there are any casualties linked to the incident. Additionally, the exact date of the landslide has not been disclosed.

Ongoing Road Infrastructure Challenges in Granma

This incident is part of a continued pattern of road infrastructure deterioration in Granma, worsened by Hurricane Melissa’s impact at the end of 2025, which rendered several roads in the eastern part of the island impassable.

A month after the hurricane, transportation in the region had not fully recovered, with many sections restricted to specialized vehicles, including the Bayamo-Cauto Embarcadero and Manzanillo-Niquero stretches.

Back in May, a similar issue led to the complete closure of the bridge over the Salado River on the Bayamo-Las Tunas road, following the detection of a slope erosion also linked to damages from Hurricane Melissa.

The Macuto segment is particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to the Río Buey, where rising water levels and soil erosion can easily undermine the slope’s stability.

Vital Transportation Corridor at Risk

The Bayamo-Manzanillo highway connects the two most significant cities in the province, serving as a crucial route for transporting people and goods throughout Granma. Therefore, any disruption in this corridor poses a significant provincial concern.

Earlier this year, Bayamo's transportation infrastructure suffered another setback when debris blocked the city’s railway line, forcing the La Habana-Bayamo route to operate under emergency conditions.

Key Concerns About Bayamo-Manzanillo Highway

What caused the landslide on the Bayamo-Manzanillo highway?

The landslide was caused by erosion on the slope of the road near the Río Buey, possibly exacerbated by natural elements and prior damage from Hurricane Melissa.

How are drivers being advised in light of the landslide?

Drivers are advised to avoid using the lane close to the affected area and to follow any traffic signs while exercising heightened caution.

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