As Hurricane Melissa loomed on the horizon, the residents of the coastal town of Sigua, located south of Santiago de Cuba, cried out for help. They reported a dire lack of essential supplies such as food, bread, and milk for their children. Meanwhile, local authorities have remained conspicuously absent in the face of this impending disaster.
"We're on the brink of catastrophe, and the government is nowhere to be seen. No one has come, no one has brought us anything... We're desperate," several residents expressed to independent journalist and activist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who highlighted the issue on Facebook.
The scarcity of basic resources—particularly food and essential items for children—has left families in Sigua tense and anxious. This area, highly vulnerable due to its proximity to the sea, lacks the infrastructure to withstand the anticipated winds exceeding 155 mph that Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring.
"The government remains absent" Residents are frustrated, noting that no representatives from the Provincial Defense Council or the Commerce Company have arrived to coordinate the distribution of food or provide any pre-storm assistance.
"All we're asking for is food before the hurricane isolates us. We don't want to starve before Melissa hits," pleaded a mother of three, her voice shaking with fear and frustration.
Neglect before disaster strikes Sigua is situated 15 miles from the city of Santiago de Cuba and is often one of the first coastal areas to feel the impact of storms and surges. However, residents claim that no visible evacuation plans or supply deliveries have been implemented despite warnings from the Meteorological Institute.
As Hurricane Melissa draws nearer, carrying Category 5 winds, the community remains without food, fuel, or government assistance. This scenario is a stark reflection of the institutional neglect with which the regime often handles humanitarian crises.
In the comments section of the social media post, others also criticized the government's abandonment in the face of the distressing situation prevailing in the eastern part of an island seemingly frozen in time.
Impact of Institutional Neglect in Cuba
What is the current situation in Sigua regarding basic supplies?
Residents of Sigua are facing severe shortages of essential supplies such as food, bread, and milk, with no intervention from local authorities.
How has the government responded to the crisis in Sigua?
The government has been criticized for not taking any visible action or providing necessary assistance to the residents of Sigua as Hurricane Melissa approaches.
What are the concerns of Sigua's residents?
The primary concern for Sigua's residents is the lack of food supplies and the absence of a coordinated evacuation or assistance plan as they face the threat of Hurricane Melissa.