A 56-year-old man, Roberto Rodríguez Munder, from Palma Soriano in Santiago de Cuba, has been confirmed as the first casualty in Cuba following Hurricane Melissa. The news was shared by his family and various international media outlets.
Rodríguez Munder tragically lost his life when he was swept away by the strong currents of a river in the La Pedrera neighborhood while attempting to cross during the heavy downpours that battered the eastern part of the island.
The announcement was initially made via Facebook by Yesliamnis Gutiérrez, who informed the community about the tragic incident. "Since yesterday afternoon, the man many of us knew, and who was like a father and friend to many, was swept away by the river in La Pedrera. He was found this morning, drowned. He was more commonly known as Roberto Pedrera. Rest in peace," Gutiérrez wrote.
Journalist Javier Díaz from Univisión later corroborated the information, having spoken with local residents to confirm the details. "Though the government has yet to acknowledge his death, it's likely more victims will be discovered as waters recede," Díaz warned on Facebook.
Official Silence and Contradictory State Narratives
So far, the Cuban government has remained silent on this death and any potential additional casualties, even as numerous eastern communities remain inundated, with individuals stranded on rooftops and in storage facilities pleading for help via social media.
Just hours before the tragedy became known, President Miguel Díaz-Canel boasted during a National Defense Council meeting that there had been no human losses due to Hurricane Melissa, which he described as "one of the most intense in decades." He dismissed citizen reports as "disinformation campaigns" aimed at undermining public morale.
"If there were fatalities, they would be reported with absolute honesty," Díaz-Canel stated. Yet, the subsequent silence and the discovery of Rodríguez Munder contradict these assurances.
Family and Community Acknowledge the Tragedy
According to Noticias 23, Rodríguez Munder's family reached out directly to the broadcaster to share their ordeal. His daughter recounted how her father attempted to cross a swollen river on Wednesday night but could not be saved by those with him.
His body was discovered Thursday morning near the La Pedrera neighborhood. "He fell while trying to cross a river, and those with him couldn't save him. The body was found in the morning," narrated his daughter, requesting respect for the family's grief.
Rodríguez Munder was well-regarded in his community for his friendly nature and willingness to assist others. "He was like a father and friend to many," Gutiérrez's social media post noted.
Catholic Church Confirms Another Victim in El Cobre
While the government remains tight-lipped, the Catholic Church in Santiago de Cuba has reported another fatality during Hurricane Melissa. Father Rogelio Dean Puerta, the rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, confirmed that an elderly individual perished in the area, ravaged by storm winds and rain.
"Although material damage is extensive, human life has been preserved, and so far, only one fatality is known in the area—an elderly person," the priest said without providing further details.
The cleric described a grim scene in El Cobre: destroyed homes, roofless families, ruined crops, and a community in shock. "Our elders say they have never seen anything like this. It has literally devastated the town," he added.
Neglect and Misinformation
As official media remain silent, social networks have become the primary source of information for Cubans, who report a lack of rescues, communication, and government assistance.
In areas like Cauto del Paso, Guamo, and Grito de Yara, images show individuals stranded on rooftops, submerged homes, and out-of-control rivers. Authorities continue to speak of "organization," but the reality on the ground is different: isolated families, irreparable losses, and a government unable to protect its people.
The official narrative blames external factors, yet testimonies from the eastern region reveal a poorly managed and inhumane response to the disaster.
The Cost of Negligence
Roberto Rodríguez Munder's death symbolizes the failure of a system that can no longer ensure the most basic of needs: the safety of its citizens. While leaders congratulate themselves on their "effectiveness," Cubans face the wrath of nature and institutional neglect on their own.
In a country where censorship outweighs empathy, tragedies are whispered on Facebook rather than announced in official statements. And although regime spokespeople avoid the word "deaths," reality once again triumphs over propaganda.
Questions About Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Cuba
Who was Roberto Rodríguez Munder?
Roberto Rodríguez Munder was a 56-year-old man from Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba, who tragically died after being swept away by river currents during Hurricane Melissa.
How did the Cuban government respond to the hurricane?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its silence and lack of official communication regarding the casualties of Hurricane Melissa, despite citizen reports and social media posts highlighting the devastation.
What role did social media play during the hurricane?
Social media became a crucial source of information for Cubans during Hurricane Melissa, providing updates and reports about the situation on the ground amidst the lack of official statements.