Heavy rains on Friday wreaked havoc in the coastal municipality of Imías in Guantánamo province, leading to the collapse of a temporary bridge that linked the town center with the Jesús Lores Popular Council and surrounding communities. The military-style TM3 bridge had been installed after Hurricane Oscar devastated the region last October. Its failure has once again isolated nearby areas such as San Ignacio, Los Calderos, El Cuero, and Explanada de Duaba.
“Strong rains have washed away the emergency containment bridge in Imías, which was set up to connect to Jesús Lores and the areas of San Ignacio, Los Calderos, El Cuero, Explanada de Duaba, among others,” reported Miguel Reyes Mendoza, a state-affiliated journalist known on social media as 'Miguel Noticias'. His Facebook post included images and videos of the incident, corroborated by local residents like Ramón Frómeta, who noted, “The rainfall was so intense that it collapsed the provisional bridge, a temporary measure until a permanent solution is implemented.”
Local reports highlighted that the torrential downpour caused the river to swell, undermining the bridge's foundations and leading to its collapse.
Unexpected Bridge Collapse
The TM3 bridge, a stopgap solution following the damage caused by Hurricane Oscar, was swept away by the powerful currents resulting from the heavy rains in the mountainous region. The hurricane had struck in October, bringing over 600 millimeters of rain in under 48 hours, leading to severe flooding and significant damage to roads and homes.
The collapse has disrupted access to Jesús Lores, a major community hub in Imías, home to over 5,000 residents across six settlements. According to an official media report, the bridge, designed to withstand up to 60 tons, was built by the Technical Engineering Unit of Holguín with support from the Revolutionary Armed Forces. However, the extreme conditions caused by the river's surge exceeded the bridge's designed capacity.
Impact on the Community
Jesús Lores serves as a crucial socio-economic center in Imías, hosting ten educational facilities, five medical clinics, a pharmacy, a rehabilitation center, and several commercial units. The disruption of road access leaves thousands of residents in a precarious situation, complicating their access to essential services and supplies.
Local authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the measures planned to restore permanent access. The community is hopeful that repair efforts will commence soon as they deal with the repercussions of this latest climatic setback.
FAQs About the Imías Bridge Collapse
What caused the Imías bridge to collapse?
The bridge collapsed due to intense rains that caused the river to swell, undermining the bridge's foundations.
How has the bridge collapse affected local communities?
The collapse has left thousands of residents isolated, complicating their access to basic services and essential supplies.
What was the purpose of the temporary bridge?
The temporary TM3 bridge was installed to reconnect communities following the destruction caused by Hurricane Oscar.