As Hurricane Melissa approached the eastern region of Cuba, General Raúl Castro addressed the nation, claiming to be well-informed about the storm's progress and the steps taken to mitigate its impact.
In a statement shared by the Ministry of the Interior on Facebook, Raúl Castro expressed "satisfaction with the responsibility and level of preparedness" shown, urging the public to maintain strict discipline during the storm and the subsequent recovery phase.
The message, delivered by Brigadier General José Amado Ricardo Guerra, conveyed Castro's belief that "we will emerge victorious from this new challenge as well."
Ricardo Guerra, a member of the Political Bureau of the Party and secretary of the Council of Ministers, presented the statement during a meeting with Miguel Díaz-Canel and the National Defense Council.
"Tonight will be very challenging for all of Cuba, but we will recover, always with the faith in victory instilled in us by Fidel and Raúl," remarked the leader.
The triumphant tone of Raúl Castro's message starkly contrasts with the structural vulnerabilities faced by the Cuban populace and its infrastructure, weakened by years of economic mismanagement.
The narrative of "victory" over Hurricane Melissa seems disconnected from the harsh realities faced by those forced to rebuild their homes and endure flooding and power outages.
While the leadership touts their supposed readiness and discipline, reports from eastern Cuba paint a very different picture.
Photos and videos reveal the devastation: homes destroyed, roofs torn off, trees uprooted, and roads rendered impassable, further exacerbating the hardships endured by thousands of families.
Official shelters often lack essential supplies like mattresses, food, and medical care, leaving many residents to weather the storm without basic protection.
Hurricane Melissa has once again highlighted the fragility of civil protection systems and the authorities' inability to ensure adequate safety and resources in the face of natural disasters.
As Raúl Castro applauds the discipline and "level of preparedness achieved," countless Cubans confront the storm with the grim certainty that the disaster will leave a lasting impact long after official statements have faded from public view.
Impact of Hurricane Melissa on Eastern Cuba
What challenges did the residents of eastern Cuba face during Hurricane Melissa?
Residents faced severe challenges including destroyed homes, uprooted trees, impassable roads, and a lack of basic resources like food and medical care in shelters.
How did the Cuban leadership respond to the hurricane?
The Cuban leadership, including Raúl Castro, issued messages asserting their preparedness and discipline, although these claims were in stark contrast to the reality on the ground.
What issues were highlighted by Hurricane Melissa in Cuba?
The hurricane underscored the fragility of Cuba's civil protection systems and the leadership's failure to provide sufficient safety and resources during natural disasters.