Farmer Blames Government Negligence After Dam Floods His Farm in Holguín

Agricultural producer Alexander Escalona has held local authorities accountable for severe flooding that devastated his farm in Holguín. This disaster followed the unannounced opening of a dam in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

“The worst part wasn’t the hurricane itself; it was the dam that they opened without warning,” Escalona lamented in a Facebook post that has sparked widespread outrage.

In his post, Escalona criticized the complete lack of communication from officials responsible for managing a nearby dam in Mayarí. The sudden release of water led to severe flooding, wiping out years of hard work and dedication.

He stated, “Not a single person thought to notify a producer who collaborates with social assistance in the region, someone they call on every day when they need something.”

Pictures shared by Escalona depict fields entirely submerged, facilities destroyed, and animals trapped in mud and water—a stark contrast to the official narrative of the supposed “efficiency” of civil defense and government management during the hurricane.

“My issue isn’t with them letting the dam overflow, but with the total lack of communication from those who should have been responsible, but instead acted without any prior notice,” he wrote in frustration.

The farmer detailed his losses, which included irrigation systems, work tools, carts, fumigation backpacks, water pumps, solar panels, fertilizers, chemicals, livestock, and seeds for squash, beans, lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes from several growing seasons.

The Real Cost of Government Mismanagement

Escalona’s complaint highlights institutional disorganization and the government’s lack of foresight in emergency management, as the country’s agriculture continues to decline.

“The worst part wasn’t the impact of Melissa, but the dam they let overflow without prior warning,” he reiterated.

Another Example of Neglect in Cuban Agriculture

Escalona’s situation underscores the negligence and disorganization of local authorities who made decisions without coordinating with farmers, many of whom are crucial in sustaining the country’s fragile food supply.

While state media emphasize the “rapid recovery” and “successes” of official management, farmers face irreparable losses without technical support or resources.

Escalona’s case is not unique. In several parts of eastern Cuba, producers report similar damage due to irresponsible dam management during Hurricane Melissa.

Poor maintenance, corruption in water management, and the absence of proper warning protocols exacerbate the consequences of each climatic event.

Impact on a Crumbling Agricultural Sector

The losses suffered by Escalona represent yet another blow to Cuban agriculture, a sector already in crisis due to a lack of supplies, fuel, and machinery.

Every destroyed farm, lost irrigation system, and ruined seed translates into fewer food resources for a population that has been surviving amidst scarcity and inflation for years.

Although the regime blames external factors for the crisis, the reality paints a different picture: internal disorganization, lack of planning, and real support for farmers are the direct causes of the production collapse.

While official media circulate images of officials on tours and in meetings, the story of Alexander Escalona reveals the true face of Cuban agriculture: abandoned producers, unresponsive institutions, and a system that continues to prioritize rhetoric over action.

His complaint, now a symbol of resistance and frustration, articulates what many farmers feel: “That’s why we’re in the state we are.”