Severe Flooding in Villa Clara Causes Evacuations and Damage

Severe flooding in Villa Clara has led to significant damage and evacuations, particularly affecting the municipalities of Sagua la Grande and Cifuentes. According to OnCuba News, more than 900 residents have been evacuated, with 17 people in designated centers and 689 taking refuge with family or friends.

Communities such as Larrondo and Mariana Grajales remain cut off due to bridge collapses. The flooding resulted from intense rainfall, with reports of up to 156 millimeters of precipitation in Sitiecito.

Local authorities, including the Provincial Defense Committee, are assessing the extent of the damage, with initial reports indicating one house has collapsed entirely and several others are partially damaged.

The Alacranes reservoir is at 68.2% capacity but poses no immediate danger. Meanwhile, the municipal hospital in Sagua la Grande has been flooded in its basement, affecting its operations. As stated by Amaury Machado Montes de Oca, of the Provincial Meteorological Center, the current flooding exacerbates challenges for a nation already recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Melissa in October.

Cuba has been facing a prolonged crisis marked by food, medicine, and fuel shortages, making recovery from such disasters particularly difficult, as reported by CubaNet.