Thousands of Cubans evacuated due to floods from storm Alberto

HAVANA -- Over 3,000 people have been evacuated from central Cuba due to flooding from tropical storm Alberto, which was nearing the coast of Florida on Monday.

In the province of Sancti Spiritus, the Defense Council turned schools into shelters to house families evacuated due to flooding from the Zaza and Agabama rivers.

Weather reports said that rainfall over the last 24 hours had broken historical records for the area, with 303 millimeters of rain falling on the town of La Sierpe, 240.2 millimeters along the Yayabo river, 226.9 millimeters on the town of Tuinucu and 229 millimeters on the city of Sancti Spiritus.

The Zaza dam, the largest in Cuba, has accumulated over 900 million cubic meters of water, standing at 103 percent of its full capacity, with experts recommending the opening of its six sluice gates.

In the province of Villa Clara, 366 millimeters of rainfall were registered although without damage to infrastructure and housing.

The National Institute of Hydraulic Resources announced that 19 weather stations registered over 100 millimeters of rain in 24 hours starting 8:00 a.m. Saturday, in western and central Cuba.

On Monday, weather reports continued to predict strong rains, which could worsen flooding since the earth is saturated with water.

Authorities said they would continue to report on risks and damage to homes and fields but called on the public to remain calm, obey instructions and stay informed.