On Friday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel began his day assessing the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba before traveling to Guantánamo to continue his tour of the island's eastern regions. Many communities remain isolated, homes have been destroyed, and the agricultural sector has suffered severe damage.
The hurricane unleashed flooding, landslides, and significant damage to crops and infrastructure. The official Presidency's account shared images of Díaz-Canel conversing with Communist Party Secretary Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, who stated on Facebook, "Santiago de Cuba is rising and beginning recovery efforts."
On Thursday, Díaz-Canel visited San Luis, Guamá, and Contramaestre, witnessing firsthand the devastation wrought by the storm's winds and rains. In areas like Chivirico on the province's western coast, homes, banana plantations, and much of the infrastructure have been obliterated. Yet, authorities echo the mantra, "We are alive!"
Even official reports acknowledge that several municipalities remain inaccessible by road, particularly Segundo Frente and Guamá, which can only be reached by air.
Emergency Measures and Isolated Communities
Confronted with this situation, the regime announced emergency measures such as deploying buses to cover disrupted routes, repairing damaged bridges, and mobilizing construction teams.
In Santiago de Cuba, numerous communities remain cut off, lacking communication and basic services.
Guantánamo Faces Greater Challenges
In Guantánamo, the official newspaper Venceremos reported Díaz-Canel's arrival alongside Politburo member Roberto Morales Ojeda and several ministers. The group visited critical sites like the La Yaya Dam, Valvo Company, Río Frío Bridge, and affected areas in Yateras and Manuel Tames.
The rains from Melissa increased the water level in La Yaya Dam to 165 million cubic meters, releasing water at a rate of 200 cubic meters per second, a phenomenon not seen since 2012. This surge submerged the Cabaña Bridge and caused an optical fiber failure, leaving much of the province without communication.
The regime claims communication has been partially restored and efforts are underway to repair damaged roads, especially in Yateras, where a landslide has isolated several communities.
Efforts and Promises in Agriculture and Energy
In terms of electricity, an isolated system is supplying power to the provincial hospital and other essential services, with plans to incorporate four solar parks. Numerous homes have been damaged or destroyed, and the government proposes using shipping containers as temporary housing solutions.
The agricultural sector has suffered significant losses, particularly in coffee, banana, and corn crops. Guantánamo's First Party Secretary Yoel Pérez García mentioned plans to "take advantage of the waters to plant more rice" and "utilize wood from fallen trees."
Díaz-Canel has urged "commitment from producers" to boost food production in the region.
The leader's tour of the affected areas blends images of closeness with triumphant messages, while the true needs of the people far exceed official promises. In eastern Cuba, thousands of families remain without shelter, electricity, and basic food supplies, and recovery will rely more on community solidarity and individual efforts than on the Party's discourse.
FAQs on Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Eastern Cuba
What areas in eastern Cuba were most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo were severely impacted, with damaged infrastructure, isolated communities, and significant agricultural losses.
What emergency measures have been implemented by the Cuban government?
The government has deployed buses for disrupted routes, repaired damaged bridges, and mobilized construction forces. An isolated power system has been set up for essential services.
How has the agricultural sector been affected by the hurricane?
The hurricane caused extensive damage to coffee, banana, and corn crops, and efforts are being made to utilize resources for recovery and increased food production.