Authorities in Cuba reported at least two fatalities and more than 2,000 people evacuated due to heavy rainfall sweeping across the western part of the island. The government described a coordinated response, noting that 445 evacuees were relocated to 80 shelters operating under minimum safety conditions to ensure care, while 1,914 residents were able to stay with relatives and friends. The scale of the emergency has prompted rapid mobilization of rescue teams, medical personnel, and disaster-relief resources to address immediate needs and prevent further casualties during the crisis.
Local media, including Cuba’s Prince Latina newspaper, reported that Havana experienced landslides at multiple sites and widespread flooding at more than two dozen locations across the country. Officials added that rainfall damaged electrical infrastructure in eastern Cuba, with at least 24 of 317 electrical circuits affected, leaving nearly 50,000 people without power. The disruption underscores the vulnerability of critical services to heavy storms and the importance of prompt restoration efforts as weather conditions begin to stabilize.
The Forecast Center of the CPIM, Cuba’s Meteorological Institute, indicated that from 8:00 am Thursday to 8:00 pm Friday, at least 20 weather stations recorded cumulative rainfall of 100 mm. Six stations exceeded 200 mm, highlighting the intensity of the downpours during the period. These figures reflect a significant meteorological event that has stressed infrastructure and prompted protective measures for residents in the affected regions, along with ongoing monitoring and forecasting to guide evacuations and relief operations. The situation was described in an official briefing as a swift, organized government response to safeguard communities amid continuous rainfall and its aftereffects, including damage assessments and contingency planning. (Attribution: Granma)
Orestes Llanes, coordinator for the Havana Government, stated that the Executive branch acted quickly and commended the swift actions of rescue services. He emphasized that coordination between municipal authorities, emergency responders, and civil protection agencies was critical during the emergency, helping to expedite shelters, transportation, and medical assistance for those most exposed to the adverse weather conditions. (Attribution: Granma)