Amidst the heavy downpours on Saturday, two women riding an electric bicycle were swept away by the rushing waters of a gully in Placetas, Villa Clara. The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, was reported by Rubén Carrillo on Facebook and later confirmed by local residents in the comments.
The dramatic event unfolded near the area known as "the entrance of the blocks," where the force of the water carried the women to a section behind the CUPET El Milagro gas station. Neighbors identified this location as a critical point during the rescue.
Firefighters from the Command 4 unit, alongside local residents, quickly mobilized to assist in the rescue efforts. Fortunately, both women were saved and emerged unharmed.
In the flurry of social media activity, locals provided precise details about the location of the incident. One neighbor noted, "It's the gully that runs by the CUPET El Milagro," while another added, "In front of the CUPET by the blocks."
Initially, the electric bicycle that the women had been riding was missing. However, a local reported shortly afterwards, "The firefighters just retrieved the bike; I was there a moment ago."
The rain was described by many as unusually intense. "It hasn't rained like this in Placetas, Villa Clara, Cuba, for years," shared a resident. Another mentioned that numerous homes were flooded, stating, "The entire road is underwater."
A video uploaded at 1:30 p.m. showed the Central Highway, between 4th and 5th West, in front of the Baptist Church, completely submerged.
One person watching the fire trucks pass by from work remarked, "I heard it was two girls. Thank God nothing worse happened. It was a massive downpour."
Placetas is crisscrossed by 17 gullies, and their blockage due to solid waste increases the flood risk during heavy rains, according to the municipality's disaster prevention documents.
Such emergencies have become increasingly common in Cuba in 2026. In May, firefighters in Holguín rescued a 73-year-old man trapped by the rising Marañón River. Similarly, in September, a man survived a fall into a 15-meter well in Manzanillo, Granma.
The Cuban rainy season, which lasts from May to October, peaks in intensity between August and October. During this time, the deteriorating urban infrastructure—including the lack of railings over gullies—compounds the danger for residents.
Flooding Risks and Safety Measures in Cuba
What are the main causes of flooding in Placetas?
Placetas experiences flooding primarily due to heavy rains and blocked gullies filled with solid waste, which hinder water flow and exacerbate flood risks.
How do local authorities respond to flood emergencies?
Local authorities, including firefighter units, swiftly respond to flood emergencies by conducting rescue operations and clearing blockages to mitigate flood impacts.
What safety measures can residents take during the rainy season?
Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates, avoid traveling through flooded areas, and ensure that their homes are prepared for heavy rains by clearing drains and securing loose items.