A violent local storm recently swept through the town of Máximo Gómez, located in the Perico municipality of Matanzas province. The storm tore off the roof of a Basic Unit of Cooperative Production (UBPC) and damaged the roof panels of the local Popular Savings Bank (BPA).
The news was shared by Radio Varadero on Facebook, featuring images and statements from Carlos Clemente Carmona, the First Secretary of the Communist Party in Perico. He reported the extent of the damage on his personal social media account.
The photos depict a scene of devastation: collapsed metal structures lying on muddy, flooded streets, fallen electricity poles with cables sprawled on the ground, overturned photovoltaic solar panels, and a classroom with a partially collapsed metallic roof, exposing it to the sky.
A group of seven or eight locals can be seen attempting to lift a fallen electric pole, clad in rubber boots and soaked clothing, amidst puddles and tropical foliage.
Carmona's post reflected the regime's typical optimistic rhetoric. "The local storm hit Máximo Gómez hard! It ripped off the UBPC's roof and blew away the bank's roof panels. But we won't be discouraged. The roof is on the way to being fixed, and actions are being coordinated with economic actors to restore the BPA Máximo Gómez's photovoltaic electrical service. Nothing will stop us; we are continuously seeking solutions!" the official proclaimed.
The loss of the BPA's solar panels is significant. The bank had installed the photovoltaic system to ensure its operations during Cuba's frequent power outages. Without this renewable energy source, banking services in Máximo Gómez are compromised until the system is restored.
Matanzas has faced several severe weather events in the second half of 2026. Early September saw a storm with hail and winds exceeding 70 km/h, affecting hospitals and water pumping systems in the province. Days later, heavy rains flooded the center of Matanzas city.
Máximo Gómez is a sugarcane and agricultural town with about 8,400 residents, located a short distance from the Perico municipal center. This storm hits as the Cuban rainy season, which runs from May to October, comes to a close, a period marked by frequent severe local storms across the archipelago.
The repeated damage to essential infrastructure—roofs, electric poles, solar systems, and classrooms—highlights the structural vulnerability of Cuban communities to weather phenomena that would typically be manageable with proper maintenance and adequate resources.
Understanding the Impact of Weather Events in Matanzas
What caused the damage in Máximo Gómez, Matanzas?
The town of Máximo Gómez in Matanzas suffered damage due to a severe local storm that impacted the area, leading to significant structural damage including the loss of roofs and solar panels.
How is the community responding to the storm damage?
Local residents have been actively participating in recovery efforts, including working to restore power by raising fallen electric poles, as coordinated with local authorities and economic actors to fix the damage.
Why are the solar panels important for Máximo Gómez?
The solar panels at the Popular Savings Bank in Máximo Gómez are crucial because they provide a renewable energy source to ensure the bank's operations during frequent power outages in Cuba.