In Cuba's capital, Havana, the torrential rains triggered by Hurricane Wilma caused flooding over one meter high on some roads, destroying power lines and power transformers.

The worst-affected areas were Guanimar, Surgidero de Batabano, Vedado and Miramar, on the coast south of Havana.

After the hurricane has swollen the ocean over Havana's seawall, the military divers used inflatable rafts to save almost 250 persons from the flooded homes.

There were no immediate reports of casualties anywhere on the island. Nearly 700,000 people were recently evacuated across the island's west side as Wilma approached, the National Information Agency said Monday.

In Mariel, a port east of Havana, the residents were watching outside their homes the huge waves breaking against the shoreline. ''I've never seen waves like this", said 30-year-old Joelsis Calderin.

''The ocean is furious, as if it wants to take back the land," said Rodrigo Cubal, 42, standing with his family.