Heavy rains in Cuba: Reservoirs at more than 60% capacity

The heavy rains of recent days in Cuba have virtually eliminated the effects of the drought.

Last week, in particular, the island suffered from unstable weather conditions that led to torrential rains in almost every province. However, the eastern part of the country was the hardest hit and, in turn, had the worst drought conditions.

Since the beginning of this month, heavy rains have allowed Cuban reservoirs to reach over 60% of their capacity. The "June downpours" arrived just in time to prevent the drought from reaching critical levels, especially in the easternmost part of the archipelago. 

Argelio Fernández Richelme, Director of Hydrology and Hydrogeology at the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH), commented on the delicate issue. "The country has accumulated 146,2 millimeters (mm) of precipitation, which represents 75% of the historical average for June."

"In the eastern region, rainfall has been more abundant, reaching 211,3 mm, 141% of the historical average for this month. From the perspective of water resource management and its various uses, the expert described this meteorological event as quite beneficial."

"It has rained in many places where it was needed, as it has allowed the accumulation of water in reservoirs to increase." This is vital for supplying water to the population and for economic activities." 

The West and the center did not benefit as much.

In the western half of Cuba, rainfall was not as intense as in the eastern part of the island. Records showed 53,9 mm, 23% of the historical average. Meanwhile, in the eastern region, accumulated rainfall reached 289,7 mm in Camagüey; 281,2 mm in Granma; 226,1 mm in Santiago de Cuba; 214,9 mm in Las Tunas; and 204,3 mm in Holguín.

The specialist confirmed that in less than 15 days, the country's reservoirs have increased their accumulated water volume by more than 1 billion cubic meters. The territories with the highest levels of filling above capacity are: Granma (600%); Santiago de Cuba (94,2%); Holguín (86,6%); Cienfuegos (84,8%); and Camagüey (78,4%).