The mountainous village of Jibacoa, nestled in the Escambray region of Villa Clara, has become isolated following the torrential rains brought on by Hurricane Rafael. Since early morning, continuous downpours have plagued the municipality of Manicaragua, severely hindering movement and access to this area, as reported by the state-run channel, Telecubanacán.
In response to the emergency, the Provincial Defense Council of Villa Clara has activated its risk reduction strategy, dispatching medical teams, supplies, and other vital resources to Jibacoa and other vulnerable mountain communities.
Monitoring the Flood-Prone Valle de Jibacoa
Ismel López Martín, the head of the local Defense Zone, stated that the situation in the Valle de Jibacoa is under close watch. This area is prone to flooding due to water retention in a sinkhole, which could potentially block access to Topes de Collantes.
Between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., the region experienced 47 millimeters of rainfall, with forecasts indicating an increase in volume as the day progresses.
Mass Evacuations and Emergency Measures
In Villa Clara, evacuation efforts have intensified, with 13,130 individuals being relocated to safety—12,013 are staying with host families, while 1,117 are sheltered in evacuation centers. These include women, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with disabilities.
Emergency response teams and resources have been mobilized to assist residents, particularly given the potential for worsening weather conditions, as acknowledged by the regime.
Hurricane Rafael's Current Path and Intensity
Hurricane Rafael made landfall at Playa Majana, located south of Artemisa, as a Category 3 storm. It currently maintains sustained winds of 175 km/h, categorizing it as a Category 2 hurricane, with predictions indicating it will move out to sea between Pinar del Río and Artemisa.
Cuban meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez shared on Facebook that Hurricane Rafael will continue its northwest trajectory over Artemisa, traveling at a speed of 22 km/h. It is expected to exit to the sea between Bahía Honda (Artemisa) and La Mulata (Pinar del Río) between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. this Wednesday.