In the aftermath of Hurricane Oscar, fresh footage has emerged showcasing the severe flooding that transformed the streets of San Antonio del Sur, Guantánamo into rushing rivers. Despite the storm having moved away from Cuba days ago, its devastating impact continues to surface.
Hurricane Oscar inundated vast communities, with water levels rising to nearly three feet in some places. Many homes suffered significant damage, and numerous families lost personal belongings and appliances due to the rapid overflow of rivers and streams, such as the Sabanalamar and Los Ciguatos.
Recently uploaded videos on TikTok highlight the severe extent of the flooding and the profound effect this natural disaster has had on local residents. These clips reveal not only the widespread material damage but also the dramatic rescues and relocations of people to safer areas.
Power Outages Amplify the Chaos
The situation was further exacerbated by a widespread power outage that plunged large parts of Cuba into darkness for several days. This blackout severely hampered communication and made evacuation efforts nearly impossible prior to the hurricane's arrival. Many families were left without access to weather updates and unable to charge their devices to receive alerts or contact loved ones.
Government Criticized for Lack of Preparedness
Locals have expressed frustration over the government's inadequate preparedness and response, criticizing that the power failure hindered Civil Defense's ability to activate alert systems effectively. Despite evacuation efforts in San Antonio del Sur and Imías, where over 15,000 people were moved to safety, some residents were caught off guard by the sudden rise of the river, leaving no time for safe evacuation or retreat to higher ground.
In response, President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced that national recovery efforts would prioritize Guantánamo. Nonetheless, the scale of the destruction, coupled with economic and logistical challenges, poses a daunting task for the region's recovery.