Heavy rains on Saturday led to severe flooding in Villa Clara, forcing the evacuation of more than 900 residents from the municipalities of Sagua la Grande and Cifuentes.
Due to bridge collapses, the communities of Larrondo and Mariana Grajales have been left isolated. Mariana Grajales, home to nearly two thousand people, is particularly impacted, according to a Sunday report by the Cuban News Agency.
In Sagua la Grande, 17 individuals are currently housed in evacuation centers, while 689 have found shelter with relatives or friends. Meanwhile, in Cifuentes, over 200 residents face similar circumstances, the report detailed.
The Hospital Mártires del 9 de Abril in Sagua la Grande suffered from the flooding, with efforts to drain it using specialized equipment underway on Saturday night.
The most significant rainfall on Saturday was recorded at 156 millimeters (mm) in Sitiecito, 91.8 mm at the Alacranes reservoir, and 54 mm in Sagua la Grande city.
While the Alacranes reservoir remains at 68.2 percent capacity, posing no immediate threat, there is concern over the Alacranes-Pavón main canal towards the town of Viana, which is vulnerable due to heavy runoff, the report concluded.
Official journalist Henry Omar Pérez has been covering government officials’ visits to the area, sharing images on Sunday that depict the extensive damage inflicted on homes in the affected regions.
Impact of Villa Clara Floods
What caused the flooding in Villa Clara?
The flooding in Villa Clara was caused by intense rainfall on Saturday, which led to severe water accumulation in the area.
How many people have been evacuated due to the floods?
Over 900 residents have been evacuated from the municipalities of Sagua la Grande and Cifuentes as a result of the flooding.
What is the current status of the Alacranes reservoir?
The Alacranes reservoir is at 68.2 percent capacity, which does not currently pose an immediate danger, although there are concerns about the vulnerability of the Alacranes-Pavón canal due to heavy runoff.