A video emerging from El Cobre, Santiago de Cuba, paints a grim picture of destruction in the wake of Hurricane Melissa: rooftops ripped away, trees and power lines downed, landslides, and homes in ruins.
The community has been "left to their fate," according to activist Carolina Barrero, who shared footage from local sources and urged support for those impacted.
"No one from this disorganized government has come to help. They only boast of imaginary victories detached from reality," she stated.
The extent of the damage was confirmed by state journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, who described El Cobre as “a town where Melissa's winds wreaked havoc, making everything fly,” leaving its people “materially and spiritually battered” after the storm.
Images circulating show collapsed structures and residents sifting through debris and mud in an effort to salvage belongings.
Among the hardest-hit locations is the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, a spiritual haven for all Cubans, which suffered significant damage.
On Facebook, user Óscar Parada Pérez lamented the state of the shrine with words echoing a shared sentiment.
“The home we all visit, the home always open, the home of all Cubans, the home of the Mother... is in ruins,” he expressed.
Despite the devastation, efforts are underway at the shrine to assess the damage and support the most affected families.
In the early hours of Wednesday, torrential rains and landslides brought the situation in the town to a critical point. Official reports and social media posts indicated that 17 individuals — including children and the elderly — were trapped after a hillside collapsed in the Loma del Cimarrón, an area also hit by a sudden river surge.
Rescue teams from the Ministry of the Interior and Civil Defense were deployed early on, but progress was hindered by flooded terrain, landslides, and blocked access routes.
Amid the poignant imagery and the symbolic significance of El Cobre to the Cuban nation, calls for solidarity and expedited aid are growing louder.
Communities strive to piece together their daily lives amidst the material and spiritual losses that Hurricane Melissa exposed.
The hurricane's passage left severe flooding in Santiago de Cuba, along with structural damage.
Rainfall in El Cobre exceeded 267 millimeters, according to the Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET).
Along the coast of Guamá, where the eye of the cyclone made landfall in the early hours of Wednesday, waves surpassed four meters, and winds reaching up to 185 km/h tore off roofs, swept away boats, and left communities isolated.
Understanding the Impact of Hurricane Melissa
What were the main areas affected by Hurricane Melissa in El Cobre?
El Cobre experienced significant destruction including damaged homes, downed trees and power lines, and severe flooding. The Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre also suffered extensive damage.
How has the Cuban government responded to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa?
Activists have criticized the government's lack of immediate assistance, highlighting that no official help has reached the affected communities, while rescue teams face challenges due to the blocked and flooded terrain.
What actions are being taken to support the affected communities?
Initiatives are underway at the shrine to assess damage and aid families in need. There are also growing calls for solidarity and expedited assistance to help those impacted by the hurricane.