Heavy rains occurred on Friday in the capital and other municipalities of the eastern province of Las Tunas. Between 2:30 and 11:00 p.m., according to the Provincial Meteorological Center (CMP) in its 28th note, four accumulated above 100 millimeters (mm) were reported in the main city.

Las Tunas, Cuba.– At Meteorological Station 78357, 118.4 mm were recorded; at the CMP, 109.0 mm; at the El Cornito dam, 106.2 mm; and at the headquarters of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources, 108. The rainfall recorded at the meteorological station, the experts added, represents a new record for this facility for the month, as the highest figure previously recorded was 108 mm, on August 11, 1998.

The same source specified that significant downpour also occurred in the municipality of Majibacoa; in the town of La Ceiba, 54.9 mm was recorded; at the Las Parras telemail station, 57.0 mm; and in Omaja, 73. In Jobabo, the rain gauges in San Antonio and Cayojo reported 50.0 and 50.1 mm, respectively.

The rains, the CMP explained, "were associated with the presence of a trough in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, combined with a higher low-pressure zone north of the eastern region. Local factors such as the daytime warming typical of this time of year contributed to the intensification of the rainfall."

The meteorological experts recommended that the population remain alert for possible flooding in low-lying or poorly drained areas, especially where the heaviest rainfall had occurred.

Press reports confirmed that the Hórmigo and Ahogapollos rivers, along with other streams and gullies within Las Tunas City, overflowed part of their banks and flooded, forcing residents to evacuate. Fallen trees were also reported, in some cases obstructing traffic on city streets, and large amounts of debris and mud were washed away.

Authorities from the Municipal Defense Council, headed by its president Roberto Carlos López Saborit, along with officials from the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and the Provincial Government, toured the affected areas until early Saturday morning, directing the restoration efforts. Technicians and specialists from the Municipal Housing Directorate also visited the various sites to assess the potential damage, which is not significant.