Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared that the nation is ready to tackle Hurricane Melissa, despite grappling with one of its most severe energy and health crises in recent years, characterized by prolonged blackouts and widespread shortages.
"There is a high probability that Melissa will impact our country in the coming days. The provinces that might be affected are taking measures. It is crucial to anticipate every detail to protect our people and execute the plans. We have extensive experience in this," Díaz-Canel posted on the social media platform X this Friday.
While Díaz-Canel emphasized "preparedness and experience," Cubans are enduring power outages lasting over 18 hours, food and medicine shortages, and epidemic outbreaks overwhelming hospitals.
The dire situation is compounded by a lack of preventive measures and the deterioration of the national electrical system, which reported a deficit exceeding 1,800 MW on Friday.
Díaz-Canel's message sparked a backlash on social media. "Experience in failing due to a lack of resources to face the situation," commented one user.
Others recalled that after previous hurricanes, "the people were left abandoned and aid was manipulated."
"Your effect is worse than the hurricanes," another commentator remarked sarcastically. "There are no medicines or medical equipment, and the population remains without power and communication while you speak of experience," added a user from the eastern region.
The impending arrival of Melissa, which could become a hurricane within hours, finds the nation extremely vulnerable, lacking material resources and institutional strength to handle a new national emergency.
In early September, a national survey by the Food Monitor Program (FMP) revealed that 94% of Cuban households believe the government shows no interest in reversing the country's food crisis, or if it has tried, it has not achieved results.
The report highlighted that hunger, poverty, and insecurity have spread to the majority of the population, in a country where independent estimates suggest that more than 80% of Cubans live in poverty.
Understanding Cuba's Current Crisis
What is the main challenge Cuba is facing currently?
Cuba is currently facing a severe crisis with prolonged power outages, widespread shortages of food and medicines, and an overburdened healthcare system.
How has the Cuban government responded to Hurricane Melissa?
President Díaz-Canel claimed the government is prepared for Hurricane Melissa by taking necessary measures, although this has been met with skepticism and criticism due to the ongoing crisis.
What has been the public reaction to Díaz-Canel's statements?
The public reaction has been largely negative, with many criticizing the government for its lack of resources and preparedness, and recalling past failures in crisis management.