In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Melissa that ravaged eastern Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel made a trip to Holguín province to assess the damage and "encourage recovery," as stated by the Cuban Presidency on X.
The Cuban leader visited the José Martí Vocational Pre-University Institute of Exact Sciences, which has been transformed into a shelter for over 300 people from the municipalities of Cacocún and Urbano Noris.
According to the official report, Díaz-Canel expressed interest in the care provided to the displaced individuals and was informed that they are receiving "adequate nutrition, healthcare, and psychological support."
The institutional message further noted that "families reported feeling protected" and Díaz-Canel emphasized that they "should not return to their communities until it is safe to do so."
As is customary during such visits, the leader claimed to have a "positive impression" of the efforts in Holguín and conveyed greetings from Raúl Castro, who is "well-aware of the situation."
Nonetheless, the scene meticulously depicted by the Presidency starkly contrasts with the reality faced by thousands of Cubans who have not received any state assistance or basic resources following the hurricane.
Amid the country's ongoing crisis, the official statement regarding the "adequate nutrition" for evacuees seems, to many, more like propaganda than relief.
Official Triumph Amid Disaster
Once again, the government portrays itself as a model of "organization and foresight," despite official statistics suggesting otherwise.
According to Granma, over 95% of those evacuated during Hurricane Melissa sought refuge in the homes of family or neighbors, rather than in state-run facilities.
Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Communist Party's Central Committee, acknowledged on television the "solidarity" of the people during the emergency, but this fact also highlights the state's inability to provide institutional shelter.
In reality, disaster protection relies on mutual aid among Cubans, not on a robust state system or efficient government logistics.
Despite the devastation, the official discourse maintains its triumphalist tone.
State-controlled media, under the Communist Party, continues to emphasize the "unity" and "discipline" of the people, while ignoring testimonies from entire communities left without electricity, potable water, and with collapsed infrastructure.
A Recurrent Crisis
Each hurricane exposes the same structural weaknesses: inadequate and poorly equipped shelters, makeshift kitchens, food shortages, and a lack of proper medical care.
Many families end up staying in evacuation centers for weeks without sufficient material support, while authorities celebrate the "effectiveness" of the civil defense system.
In Holguín and other eastern provinces, Hurricane Melissa left behind isolated towns, destroyed roads, and thousands of uninhabitable homes.
Nevertheless, the leadership prefers to emphasize that "everything is under control," "no one was left helpless," and that evacuees are "well cared for."
This narrative, repeated after each cyclone, attempts to maintain an image of efficiency that crumbles under scrutiny: the Cuban population faces natural disasters with the same neglect it endures daily, without means, without resources, and without real responses from the state.
Key Questions About Cuba's Disaster Response
How effective is the Cuban government's disaster response system?
The Cuban government's disaster response system is often criticized for being inadequate. Many evacuees rely on the solidarity of their fellow citizens rather than state-provided shelters, highlighting the system's inefficiency.
What challenges do Cuban evacuees face after hurricanes?
Cuban evacuees often face challenges such as insufficient shelters, food shortages, and a lack of medical care, forcing them to rely on makeshift solutions and community support.
What is the official narrative about disaster management in Cuba?
The official narrative emphasizes "organization," "foresight," and "unity," despite evidence of systemic failure and widespread neglect of affected communities.