"It was a nightmare," recounted a resident of Veguitas, a small town in Granma province, as she described the terrifying experience she and her family endured during the floods caused by Hurricane Melissa and the subsequent release from a nearby reservoir.
In a video shared on her social media, Facebook user M. Vázquez narrated the harrowing moments when water engulfed her home and those of her neighbors, forcing them to seek refuge on the rooftop to preserve their most valuable belongings.
"My house and all the others were filled with water, with a huge scare and the urge to cry, summoning the strength every second to save the most important things for the roof. I sincerely wouldn't wish this on anyone," she wrote.
The young woman further explained that they were left without communication or electricity for over 24 hours, completely cut off while the water levels continued to rise.
"Now we have to try to salvage what we can and clean up because everything is covered in mud," she emphasized.
Alarming Flood Situation in Granma
Several areas in Granma are on high alert due to extreme flooding conditions, exacerbated by rising river levels, including the Cauto River, and overflowing reservoirs.
In recent hours, Cuba's Civil Defense declared a cyclone alarm phase for the municipalities of Río Cauto and Cauto Cristo, in response to the historic levels reached by the Cauto River, the longest in the country.
Authorities confirmed that accumulated rainfall has exceeded 500 millimeters in some areas, and they remain vigilant for potential landslides and further flooding risks.
Controlled Reservoir Release Intensifies Flooding
In Veguitas, according to local accounts, the situation deteriorated further following a controlled release of water from a nearby reservoir, a measure taken to prevent its collapse. However, this action raised flood levels in residential areas.
"It wasn't just the hurricane; it was the water they released from the reservoir," Vázquez reported in her post, sharing images of torrents reaching window heights in the streets.
Local authorities have yet to report the total number of evacuees from Veguitas, but provincial media confirmed that teams from the Municipal Defense Council are on-site, assisting affected families and assessing structural damage to homes and roads.
Her account adds to those of hundreds of Cubans who, in recent days, have taken to social media to share the scale of the devastation left by Melissa, amidst scarce official information and challenging communication conditions.
With eastern Cuba still under alarm, rescue teams remain deployed, working tirelessly on cleanup efforts and recovery in the hardest-hit areas.
Key Questions about Flooding in Granma
What caused the severe flooding in Veguitas, Granma?
The severe flooding in Veguitas, Granma, was primarily caused by Hurricane Melissa and the controlled release of water from a nearby reservoir, which was done to prevent its collapse.
How are authorities responding to the flooding in Granma?
Cuban authorities have declared a cyclone alarm phase in certain municipalities and are actively assisting affected families while assessing structural damages. Rescue teams are deployed, focusing on cleanup and recovery efforts.
What are the risks associated with the current flooding situation?
The primary risks associated with the current flooding include potential landslides, further river flooding, and the need for continued evacuations and assistance for affected populations.