Holguin prioritized protecting lives during Melissa's passage. Photo: Taken from the Facebook page of Radio SG La voz del Azúcar

Melissa’s rains in Holguin caused a large number of evacuations

With more than 200 millimeters of accumulated rainfall on already saturated soils. Hurricane Melissa caused a higher number of evacuations than anticipated in the province of Holguin, due to river flooding and urban inundations.

Although a severe event was expected and protection was ensured for residents in vulnerable areas due to their proximity to bodies of wáter. Flooding in low-lying areas in several municipalities raised the number of people evacuated to more than 200,000, exceeding 100 percent of the projected scenarios. Reported Maite Pupo Romero, head of the commission in the province.

Currently, the complexity of the situation has forced the evacuation of several areas, including Deleite and Calabazas 22, in Antilla. Beola, in Rafael Freyre, and Velasco, in Gibara. Also where the number of people under protection has reached almost the entire population.

In the municipality of Cacocum, characterized by its low altitude, the magnitude of the flooding required the intervention of rescue teams from the Revolutionary Armed Forces. Moreover who are actively working on rescue efforts in various communities. Mariela Cruz Herrera, president of the Municipal Defense Council, explained to the Cuban News Agency (CNA) that the current situation is more challenging than previous events.

Among the most affected areas is Cauto Travesia, in the municipality of Urbano Noris—the area where the eye of Tropical Storm Melissa entered the province through the community of San German. This area is difficult to access, as the strong currents of two rivers prevent the passage of any equipment. Cutting off the usual communication routes, Pupo Romero noted.

In contrast, in Estrada, within the same district, special rescue teams were deployed. Such as in Deleite and Calabazas 22, where they are implementing a combined strategy with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. A front-end loader, and a boat to ensure the rescue of citizens, despite the continuously deteriorating weather conditions.

Pupo Romero explained that the exact situation in some areas, such as Matatoro in the provincial capital, is still unknown. Blocked access roads are hindering the arrival of aid and, consequently, the availability of detailed information about the situation on the ground.

These cases are attributed to indiscipline and delays in transporting people to shelters. In addition to the impact of the heavy rains on areas not initially considered.

Moving northeast, Melissa impacted areas in northeastern Cuba, including Urbano Noris, Cacocum, Holguin, and Antilla. Causing severe flooding in major waterways such as the Guayabo and Mayari rivers, in the same municipality, as well as the Sagua de Tanamo River, among others.

With information from CNA

Radio Angulo
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