This Friday, Cuba's Ministry of Transport announced a special train operation aimed at evacuating residents stranded by severe flooding in Río Cauto, located in Granma province. This effort is being executed in collaboration with authorities from both Las Tunas and Granma.
The operation, as outlined on the Ministry's Facebook page, is backed by a centralized plan and real-time monitoring designed to move individuals from flood-affected areas to safer regions.
According to the official statement, a train assembled in Camagüey departed at 10:00 a.m. heading towards Jobabo, subsequently continuing with five additional cars to Guamo, the central hub of the operation.
This maneuver, described as being "of great sensitivity," is being overseen by locomotive 52554 and a specially appointed crew for this mission. The team includes conductor Eddy Armau, engineers Ariel Caballero and Alexander Morales, and conductors' assistants Rolando Moya and Pedro Giral.
To bolster the evacuation efforts, the Ministry of Transport dispatched three railcars with their respective attachments, enhancing both the capacity and frequency of transport within operational segments.
By 4:15 p.m., the train reached Guamo, and boarding commenced, as noted in the report. Updates will be provided as embarkation proceeds and routes to safe locations are completed.
The Railway Operations Center (COF) is coordinating the logistics from its headquarters, maintaining direct communication with involved stations and crews to adjust schedules, train formations, and priorities in response to water levels and track conditions.
According to reports, leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, along with Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) and Civil Defense officials, has been monitoring the operation closely.
Dire Situation in Río Cauto
Families in the Río Cauto municipality have reported that the water continues to rise rapidly, demanding "real information" and immediate help in a crisis they describe as "unprecedented," with streets and homes submerged and areas cut off.
Social media messages challenge claims that "everything was under control" and warn that "nothing will remain in Río Cauto" without the arrival of reinforcements and essential supplies.
"Please help for Río Cauto, the water is rising very quickly; it's something never seen before. I'm urgently calling on all Cuban authorities," one user wrote online.
Amidst this distress, military and technical authorities reported that the Cauto River began to recede between Cauto Cristo (Granma) and Baraguá (Santiago de Cuba), although they acknowledged that several communities remain flooded and rescue operations are ongoing.
The grievances of Cubans suggest the situation is far from resolved. The saturated soil and accumulated water layer are complicating recovery efforts and maintaining high risk levels in riverbank settlements.
Key Questions Regarding the Río Cauto Flooding
What is the purpose of the train operation in Río Cauto?
The train operation aims to evacuate residents isolated by flooding in Río Cauto, moving them to safer areas.
Who is overseeing the train operation?
The operation is overseen by locomotive 52554 with a specially designated crew, including conductor Eddy Armau and engineers Ariel Caballero and Alexander Morales.
What are the current conditions in Río Cauto?
The situation is dire, with rising water levels, submerged streets and homes, and communication cut off in some areas.