A total of 135 individuals were evacuated from the Guamo community in Granma on Saturday, yet many remain at risk following the flooding of the Cauto River.
On Sunday, the Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, announced that the evacuation efforts in Guamo, located in the Río Cauto municipality of Granma, continue, with residents being moved to Jobabo in Las Tunas province.
After reaching Jobabo by train, the evacuees are transported by bus to a designated evacuation center in the city of Las Tunas, according to official sources.
Rodríguez Dávila reported that on Saturday, 135 locals from Guamo were evacuated to Jobabo, with the operation concluding at 12:24 AM. The relocation involved moving individuals situated between the railway station and the community clinic. He emphasized, "Today, we continue to ensure the safe transfer of residents."
Previously, a train had managed to transport over a thousand people under challenging conditions caused by the area's flooding, which led to a separation between the fourth and fifth cars due to ground erosion.
Early Sunday morning, a makeshift train and a motor coach were stationed in Guamo to shuttle residents from the boats to the train located near the Guillén bridge, as confirmed by the minister.
Widespread Evacuations in Cauto River Basin
Numerous communities in eastern Cuba, primarily in Río Cauto and Guamo, have been evacuated recently due to the overflowing of the Cauto River, the country's longest river.
Local media and official reports indicate that hundreds of people, including pregnant women, mothers with newborns, and young children, were sheltered in Bayamo's 1ro de Enero Sports Hall on Saturday.
Rescue operations involve the Civil Defense, the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), while medical brigades, firefighters, and community volunteers remain mobilized to safeguard human lives against rising river waters.
One of the most intense incidents occurred in Guamo, where a train with 13 carriages transported over 2,600 individuals to safer areas in a complex and hazardous operation.
During the journey, the locomotive 52554 encountered issues with track erosion caused by water force, leading to the detachment of several carriages. Nevertheless, thanks to the crew's expertise and passengers' cooperation, there were no injuries.
Railway authorities, with the support of the Cuban Railways Union and the Las Tunas Provincial Defense Council, coordinated the recovery of stranded carriages and the complete evacuation of passengers, some of whom were aided by private boats due to water levels reaching the train steps.
Reinaldo Reyes, the Transportation Delegate in Las Tunas, confirmed that evacuees were later transported by bus to Colombia, where they received medical care and food.
Additionally, motor coaches from Jobabo returned to Guamo to collect those remaining on the trains and relocate them to secure zones.
Near Guamo, in Los Cayos de Río Cauto, the Ministry of the Armed Forces executed a complex helicopter rescue of six individuals trapped without access to the roof of the flooded building.
The National Defense Council remains vigilant for further evacuation needs and is working to restore railway lines and recover equipment damaged by the flooding caused by Hurricane Melissa.
In social media, official outlets like CMKX Radio Bayamo and CNC TV Granma shared images of the operations, while users expressed solidarity with affected families and rescue personnel.
The heavy rains continue to impact various areas in eastern Cuba, with authorities maintaining alerts for potential additional Cauto River overflows.
Key Questions about the Cauto River Evacuations
What prompted the evacuations in Guamo, Granma?
Evacuations in Guamo, Granma, were prompted by severe flooding caused by the overflow of the Cauto River, posing a significant risk to the local population.
How are evacuees being transported to safety?
Evacuees are initially transported by train to Jobabo and then by bus to evacuation centers in Las Tunas for safety and support.
What measures are being taken to assist those affected?
Efforts include coordinated rescue operations by the Civil Defense, FAR, MININT, and community volunteers, as well as medical and logistical support for evacuees.