Tropical Storm Imelda Brings Deadly Landslides to Eastern Cuba
Tropical Storm Imelda has caused significant disruption and at least one fatality in eastern Cuba, bringing heavy rains and triggering landslides. The storm, which formed on September 27, 2025, led to emergency responses and widespread evacuations across the affected regions.
Fatalities Reported in Santiago de Cuba
The storm's impact was most acutely felt in Santiago de Cuba, where a 60-year-old man, identified as Luis Mario Pérez Coiterio, died after a landslide caused his home to collapse. The incident occurred in the Veguita de Galo division, an area where his residence was reportedly not considered suitable for living. Local authorities and rescue teams recovered his body following the collapse.
Widespread Evacuations and Emergency Measures
In response to the severe weather, Cuban authorities initiated extensive evacuation efforts. More than 1,291 people were evacuated across the country, with 158 individuals seeking refuge in emergency shelters. In the province of Guantánamo alone, over 18,000 people were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Schools in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo were suspended, and essential supplies, including food and drinking water, were distributed to residents in the easternmost parts of Cuba, from Camagüey to Guantánamo.
Heavy Rainfall and Official Response
Tropical Storm Imelda delivered substantial rainfall to eastern Cuba. While forecasts anticipated 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of rain, some municipalities experienced over 500 mm/m² (nearly 20 inches) of rainfall, and four stations reported more than 7.9 inches (200 mm). The intense precipitation also led to an increase of 8,200,000 cubic meters in the volume of reservoirs in Santiago de Cuba.
Mayor Indira Oliva Bueno of Santiago de Cuba addressed the situation, stating, 'After two days of intense rains in the municipality of Santiago de Cuba, we are now in the stage of saving human lives and the economy of the entire city.' Alexander Olivares, president of the San Antonio del Sur Defense Council in Guantánamo, emphasized the ongoing efforts to provide food to the population. The storm continues to be monitored as it moves eastward into the Atlantic Ocean.
5 Comments
Leonardo
Focusing on 'economy' during a natural disaster feels misplaced.
Michelangelo
The response to save lives and the economy is truly commendable.
Raphael
While the evacuation efforts were extensive and likely saved many, the fatality highlights the critical need for safer housing in vulnerable areas. We must learn from this loss.
Loubianka
Nature's power is immense; it's vital to highlight these severe weather events.
Bermudez
The immediate relief efforts are commendable, however, the fact that over 18,000 people had to be evacuated in one province alone underscores the massive societal disruption these events cause. A deeper look at preventative infrastructure is needed.