Just a few hours after Hurricane Melissa battered eastern Cuba, the province of Holguín awoke to a scene that silently spoke of unease.
In a spontaneous video tour, a young resident from Holguín set up his camera and spoke directly: "Look... I think it's the Jigüe River... it seems like the river swelled, but no houses were swept away..."
Using colloquial expressions, the young man, identified on TikTok as @elpelvico, narrates his findings after the storm: uprooted trees, partially impassable and soaked streets, and the feeling that "everything is alright, but..."
"Some trees have fallen here, but I don't see any broken or toppled houses," he comments while showing images of Holguín's boulevard, San José Park, and Guarro Street, where the river's current dragged mud and branches.
Power Outages and Community Resilience
The young man also addresses the electrical situation in the province:
"I hope nothing gets messed up, because electricity is expensive, you know? There's no power in all of Holguín, as you can see."
These videos are not official reports or government statements but a grassroots testimony: "I'm doing everything possible to help, folks. I'll upload the videos from the tower I'm going to climb," he states despite communication challenges.
The Heartfelt Testimony
For Cubans both on the island and abroad, this testimony holds special significance, as it conveys the true essence of a city after a storm—not just the destruction or desolation, but the underlying fragility of basic services, disrupted routines, and emerging solidarity.
In @elpelvico's footage, uprooted trees are seen in front of the Red Dragon Park, a collapsed wall near the Saratoga Hotel, and a broken window in the Hanoi store.
Hurricane Melissa's Impact
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in the early hours of October 29, 2025, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the provinces of Holguín, Granma, Las Tunas, and Santiago de Cuba.
In Holguín, authorities had declared a hurricane warning phase, deploying river cleanup and preventive tree trimming brigades, according to local media.
During the hurricane's passage, the entire eastern region was left without electricity, and communications were sporadic. On social media, Holguín residents shared images of flooded streets, damaged roofs, and trees blocking public roads.
Insights into Hurricane Melissa's Aftermath
What were the main impacts of Hurricane Melissa in Holguín?
Hurricane Melissa caused uprooted trees, partially impassable streets, and power outages throughout Holguín. It also led to some structural damage, such as collapsed walls and broken windows.
How did residents of Holguín share their experiences after the hurricane?
Residents, such as the young man identified as @elpelvico on TikTok, shared videos and images on social media, providing a grassroots perspective on the aftermath and the challenges faced by the community.
What measures were taken by authorities in preparation for Hurricane Melissa?
Authorities in Holguín declared a hurricane warning phase and deployed brigades for river cleanup and preventive tree trimming to minimize potential damage.