On Wednesday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel took to his official account on X (formerly Twitter) to address the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc in the eastern part of the island, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
"It has been a very challenging early morning. The damage is extensive, and Hurricane Melissa remains over Cuban territory. I urge our people to remain cautious, maintain discipline, and stay safe. As soon as conditions allow, we will begin recovery efforts. We are ready," Díaz-Canel stated on October 29, alongside an update from the Cuban Institute of Meteorology.
Shortly after, he shared another message on the same platform, asserting his ongoing communication with Communist Party authorities in the eastern provinces: "We have been in constant contact throughout the night with the party's first secretaries in the eastern provinces, the last communication just minutes ago. Control over the situation is being maintained. We prepared for the worst-case scenario, and our measures have been effective," he conveyed, tagging the message with #FuerzaCuba.
The day prior to the hurricane's impact, Díaz-Canel led a political-cultural event on Havana's Malecón, commemorating the 66th anniversary of Camilo Cienfuegos' disappearance, even as the nation remained under a state of emergency due to the looming Hurricane Melissa. The timing of the event amidst worsening weather conditions drew criticism for its stark contrast between ceremonial display and the pressing need for civil protection in the face of impending disaster.
On that same day, in a televised address, Díaz-Canel urged the population to "act responsibly" in anticipation of the hurricane, which he described as "one of the strongest, possibly the most severe, that has ever passed through the national territory." During this briefing, he assured that all necessary measures had been taken and that teams from various sectors were mobilized "to initiate recovery as soon as conditions permit."
Destruction in Eastern Cuba
Hurricane Melissa made landfall early Wednesday morning along the southern coast of Santiago de Cuba, with maximum sustained winds of 121 mph, as reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm caused severe damage to infrastructure, homes, and power grids, along with substantial flooding.
Accounts shared on social media depicted scenes of devastation across numerous neighborhoods in Santiago, with "uprooted trees, collapsed power poles, torn-off roofs, and streets turned into rivers." In Guamá, where the hurricane struck land, waves exceeded 13 feet, and coastal homes suffered significant damage. In Palma Soriano, the Charco Mono dam overflowed, while in San Luis, an agricultural hub was completely flooded.
Melissa Moves Away from Cuba
By Wednesday morning, Hurricane Melissa began its northeastward movement, setting course to leave Cuba and head toward the Bahamas. With sustained winds of 102 mph, hurricane warnings remained in effect for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas.
Rainfall totals exceeded 9.8 inches in Santiago de Cuba and over 11.8 inches in the Sierra Maestra, posing risks of flash floods and landslides. Although it weakened, the NHC cautioned that Melissa continued to be "a strong and dangerous hurricane."
Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Cuba: Key Questions
What were the main areas affected by Hurricane Melissa in Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa primarily impacted the eastern provinces of Cuba, including Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, Granma, and Las Tunas, causing significant damage and flooding.
How did the Cuban government prepare for Hurricane Melissa?
The Cuban government prepared for Hurricane Melissa by maintaining constant communication with local authorities, implementing precautionary measures, and mobilizing recovery teams to respond as soon as conditions improved.
What was the response of the Cuban people to the government's handling of the hurricane?
The Cuban government's response to the hurricane, including the prioritization of a political-cultural event, faced criticism for perceived inadequacies in addressing the urgent need for civil protection amid worsening conditions.