The Cuban influencer Yaya Panoramix, whose real name is Dayana Figueroa, has reached out on social media with a heartfelt plea for assistance following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba.
In a Facebook post, she urgently sought help for her 78-year-old grandmother, who has been left without a roof over her head or any possessions. "I won't be sharing videos or photos of my home out of respect for my family. I refuse to let anyone see Fefa (God in a housecoat) sobbing inconsolably over her little house, her few belongings, the photos, my childhood diplomas, the memories of a lifetime... out of respect for her," she expressed.
The Heartfelt Plea for a Beloved Grandmother
Yaya described her grandmother as "a decent 78-year-old lady who raised me, who would warm towels for my aching knees, a woman who loves me deeply and whom I love dearly."
"I need help, my grandmother has nowhere to sleep," Yaya explained, noting that while the images of destruction are devastating, she chose not to share them to protect her family's dignity.
A Viral Call for Compassion and Support
Her message, filled with frustration and helplessness, has resonated with many users who empathize with her plight and the plight of thousands of families who have lost everything after the hurricane.
"I need help. My grandmother has nowhere to sleep. If anyone is selling mattresses, please contact me as soon as possible. A private message. I refuse to buy it from the same person who ruined them," she wrote, alluding to the damage caused by flooding and the lack of state support.
In her post, she included an old photo with her grandmother "in happier times," a picture that captures the love, loss, and memories of an entire lifetime.
Hurricane Melissa's Aftermath: A Nation in Shambles
The situation of Yaya Panoramix is not unique. Thousands of Cubans in the eastern part of the country are facing similar hardships, with homes collapsed, roofs torn off, and belongings destroyed.
Despite numerous appeals for help and solidarity campaigns from within and beyond the island, the government has failed to provide adequate shelters or resources for those affected.
Social media has become the sole platform for seeking aid, voicing grievances, and fostering solidarity amidst an absent state and a disaster that has inflicted deep emotional and material wounds on the population.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Cuba
What assistance is Yaya Panoramix seeking for her grandmother?
Yaya Panoramix is seeking urgent help to find a place for her grandmother to sleep and is looking for anyone selling mattresses, as her grandmother has been left without shelter or belongings due to the hurricane.
How has social media played a role in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Cuba?
Social media has become a crucial tool for Cubans to request help, share their stories, and raise awareness about the lack of state support following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
What is the response of the Cuban government to the disaster caused by Hurricane Melissa?
The Cuban government has been criticized for not providing sufficient shelters or resources to those affected by the hurricane, leaving many to rely on social media and solidarity campaigns for assistance.