Hurricane Melissa has left several eastern provinces of Cuba isolated, as both mobile and landline networks have collapsed due to power outages and damage to infrastructure.
The Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) announced on Wednesday that Hurricane Melissa's impact on eastern Cuba has resulted in severe disruptions to the national network. Communications have been severed in Guantánamo, multiple municipalities in Santiago de Cuba and Granma, as well as parts of Holguín.
The official statement released on ETECSA's website indicates that a large portion of the affected mobile and landline services rely on base stations and cabinets that remain shut down due to a lack of electricity and connectivity issues.
ETECSA clarified that, as Melissa continues to affect the eastern region, assessing the communications system remains complex, and the extent of the damage may change in the coming hours.
The state-owned company assured that it will keep the public informed about the situation's progression through its official channels and national media. However, no recovery timeline or immediate actions to restore service have been announced yet.
Devastation in Eastern Cuba
The impact of Hurricane Melissa has been catastrophic for eastern Cuba, with several provinces waking up completely disconnected from the electrical grid, including Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Granma, and Holguín.
This widespread outage is attributed to the fall of lines, poles, and transformers, compounded by the collapse of the telecommunications system, making coordination and relief efforts in the affected areas even more challenging.
Challenges in Recovery Efforts
In Santiago de Cuba, Governor Beatriz Johnson acknowledged the severity of the situation, describing it as "very difficult." Response teams have struggled to reach all impacted areas due to floods, landslides, and blocked roads from fallen trees.
Local authorities have confirmed that a full damage assessment is still pending due to the ongoing hazardous conditions in the field.
Meanwhile, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel recognized the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, stating that the country faces significant material losses.
During a meeting of the National Defense Council, the president urged against underestimating the situation and emphasized prioritizing the restoration of essential services, especially electricity and communications, in the hardest-hit eastern provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Melissa's Impact
What areas are most affected by Hurricane Melissa in Cuba?
The provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Granma, and Holguín are among the most severely affected, with significant disruptions to both telecommunications and electrical services.
How is ETECSA responding to the telecommunications breakdown?
ETECSA is assessing the damage and has stated that it will provide updates through official channels. No specific recovery timeline has been provided as of now.
What are the main challenges facing recovery efforts?
Recovery efforts are hindered by severe flooding, landslides, and blocked roads due to debris, which complicates access to the affected areas.