Increased overflow from multiple reservoirs in Granma has forced the evacuation of residents living in low-lying areas of Yara municipality, as flooding ensues from swollen waterways.
According to CMKX Radio Bayamo's Facebook update, the Bueycito reservoir, located in Buey Arriba municipality, is discharging 107 cubic meters per second, while the Yao Diversion contributes an additional 100 m³/s to the region's hydraulic system.
The convergence of these overflows has heightened river levels in and around Yara, causing floods that have impacted several communities, necessitating the preventive evacuation of inhabitants in the most vulnerable zones.
The Provincial Defense Council (CDP) has issued warnings about the need for vigilant monitoring and heightened precautionary measures, as persistent rainfall in the Sierra Maestra could exacerbate the situation in the coming hours.
Local authorities are continuously monitoring the behavior of reservoirs and rivers, given the risk that further rising water levels could lead to more damage in the eastern region of the country.
Radio Ciudad Monumento reported that Bayamo authorities reached the Pompita community in the Mabay popular council, now submerged.
"Actions for evacuating people and essential resources are being communicated to the population," the post stated.
Floods and Rising Waters in Eastern Cuba
The scenario in Granma adds to the situation affecting other eastern provinces, especially Holguín, where post-Melissa rains have caused new surges in the Sagua and Cabañas rivers, prompting mass evacuations in Sagua de Tánamo and Moa municipalities.
Local journalists reported that in Sagua de Tánamo, authorities conducted house-to-house evacuations to prevent tragedies after the Sagua River once again flooded areas still recovering from hurricane damage.
In Moa, the Cabañas River rose over three meters above its usual course, cutting off several areas.
Camilo Velazco Petittón, director of La Voz del Níquel radio station, reported that more than 260 individuals were relocated to safe shelters, supported by Ministry of the Interior forces and Municipal Defense Council brigades.
The main protection center was set up at the Ñico López Pre-University.
Rainfall in the area—116 millimeters at the Moa Diversion—also necessitated opening sluice gates to relieve reservoirs and avert further damage.
Journalist Yulieska Hernández García noted that rising waters reached the bridge leading to the Pedro Sotto Alba factory, prompting road closures in the area.
Meanwhile, those affected by Hurricane Melissa face another blow: homes, crops, and belongings destroyed for the second time in under a week.
"Water levels weren't as high as the previous surge, but they did enter several homes," reported journalist Yulianela Barzaga Gómez, noting the self-evacuation of over 2,500 people to safeguard their lives.
Enduring Hardship and Vulnerability in Eastern Cuba
Despite the swift actions of neighbors and volunteers, the situation in Granma and the broader eastern region highlights a deeper structural issue: deteriorating infrastructure, a scarcity of resources, and the state's inability to prevent or mitigate natural disasters.
In Cuba, where wages are insufficient to replace losses and construction materials are scarce, every meteorological event turns into a prolonged catastrophe.
Although official rhetoric insists that "no one will be left helpless," the harsh reality is different: families who have lost everything survive more on community support than on institutional response.
Meanwhile, the Defense Council maintains a surveillance phase in various eastern municipalities due to ongoing rains, and local journalists from Sagua, Moa, and Yara continue to report on a weary population, left to face the aftermath of a system incapable of ensuring their safety and well-being.
Key Questions on Flooding in Eastern Cuba
What caused the recent evacuations in Granma?
The recent evacuations in Granma were triggered by increased overflow from reservoirs, leading to flooding in low-lying areas of the Yara municipality.
How are local authorities responding to the flood situation?
Local authorities are continuously monitoring reservoirs and rivers, issuing warnings, and facilitating evacuations to prevent further damage and ensure public safety.
What challenges does eastern Cuba face in dealing with natural disasters?
Eastern Cuba struggles with deteriorating infrastructure, lack of resources, and insufficient state capacity to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of natural disasters.