Images of a large-scale evacuation taking place since Saturday in San Antonio del Sur, located in Guantánamo, have been spreading across social media platforms. "Mass evacuation in San Antonio del Sur, Guantánamo, due to the potential for severe rainfall in the coming hours... Couldn't this have been done two weeks ago when Hurricane Oscar struck?" questioned Cuban activist Adelth Buen Gamboa on Facebook.
Meanwhile, state media outlets and official journalists have shared photos depicting the evacuation process, which involves several buses. The pictures show individuals carrying as many belongings as they can manage.
Warnings of Flooding and Past Disasters
On Saturday morning, the Civil Defense issued a warning about the high risk of flooding in the area. They noted that persistent rain could lead to a rapid rise in river water levels, reminiscent of the situation two weeks ago when Hurricane Oscar caused significant devastation, resulting in eight deaths and several missing persons in the region.
The evacuation efforts commenced at 2:00 pm, with families advised to bring milk for children, medications for the elderly, and to secure valuable items in elevated spots within their homes.
Challenges Due to Power Outages
The situation is particularly challenging due to ongoing electricity outages that have plagued the area for weeks, complicating communication. As a result, information is being disseminated through loudspeakers to ensure residents stay informed.
Neighboring Communities on High Alert
The Provincial Defense Council has also urged neighboring communities, such as Baracoa and Maisí, to remain vigilant and attentive to weather updates. This precaution comes as two weather systems pose a threat of developing into hurricanes near the Caribbean island.