The feeling of abandonment and desperation grips thousands of families in eastern Cuba. In the municipality of Jiguaní, located in Granma province, a local resident named Marisbel Pantoja took to social media to voice her frustration over the lack of government assistance following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
Posting on the Facebook group “Jiguaní Denuncia Expediente,” she shared images and messages highlighting the cyclone’s destruction in her community and the apparent indifference of local authorities.
“Look at the state of where I live. No one has come to see what's happening. We are without water, without power, and no one seems to care,” Pantoja wrote, accompanying her post with photos of the damage.
The Widespread Feeling of Neglect in Eastern Cuba
Hurricane Melissa caused widespread flooding, destroyed homes, and led to complete losses in rural areas like Jiguaní. Residents feel abandoned and helpless amid the devastation.
Despite official promises of aid and preventive evacuations, citizen reports reveal entire neighborhoods submerged, roads impassable, and families without shelter, water, or essential supplies.
“There’s nobody from the government here, no one has come to check if we’re even alive,” another group member stated, highlighting the growing public outrage over the government’s inaction.
Official Rhetoric vs. Reality
Meanwhile, government institutions focus their political rhetoric on the U.S. embargo and the "resilience of the people," rather than providing concrete solutions to those affected by the cyclone.
The disconnect between the government’s narrative and the harsh reality faced by the population has sparked a wave of criticism on social media.
“The state apparatus seems more invested in its propaganda than in addressing the real emergency. People are sleeping on the ground, without food or electricity, yet they continue to blame the embargo,” a Facebook user commented.
An Escalating Crisis
The lack of immediate assistance in areas such as Jiguaní, Cueto, Palma Soriano, and Moa strengthens the perception of a failing state, unable to provide basic support to those in need.
Public anger mounts with each passing minute, as authorities persist with optimistic messages while silencing grievances emerging from the very communities they fail to support.
“No one has bothered to care,” Marisbel Pantoja repeats, a phrase encapsulating the abandonment, frustration, and exhaustion felt by thousands of Cubans facing disaster without aid.
Understanding the Crisis in Eastern Cuba
What impact did Hurricane Melissa have on Jiguaní?
Hurricane Melissa caused significant flooding, destroyed homes, and resulted in total losses in the community, leaving residents feeling abandoned and without essential resources.
How have local authorities responded to the crisis?
Local authorities have been criticized for their inaction and lack of visible support, with many residents reporting no government presence or aid following the hurricane.
What is the public's reaction to the government's response?
The public has expressed increasing frustration and anger over the government's focus on political rhetoric rather than addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the hurricane.