Cuba's Big Flood: How a Hurricane Turned a River into a Giant Problem

Devastating Floods and Economic Crisis

Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest to hit the Caribbean, has left Cuba in a dire situation. The storm dumped a massive amount of rain, causing the Rio Cauto, Cuba's longest river, to overflow. The floodwaters have cut off a major road that connects Havana in the west to major cities like Santiago and Guantanamo in the east.

Residents Struggle as Floodwaters Rise

Residents of Rio Cauto expected the water to recede by nightfall, but it did not. Eduardo Verdecia, an 83-year-old resident, stated that his house had never flooded before. Now, the water is almost up to his roof. Over 800 people had to be evacuated from riverside towns.

Massive Evacuations and Ongoing Damage

Before the storm, Cuba moved 735,000 people to safety, including tourists relocated to inland hotels. However, the damage is still enormous. Floods have destroyed roads and crops, exacerbating the country's economic crisis. Cuba is already facing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.

International Aid and Uncertainty

Other countries have offered to help. Venezuela and United Nations agencies have stepped up, and even the U.S. expressed readiness to assist. However, Cuba stated that the U.S. had not provided any details yet.