A Cuban man named Richar Alarcón has taken to social media to highlight the dire conditions at an evacuation center in Río Cauto, Granma province. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa's devastating floods, many families have sought refuge there.
Through a video posted on Facebook, Alarcón claims that evacuees in the Vado del Yeso area have been "without food for two days." He criticizes the Cuban government for downplaying the severity of the situation while state media only report favorable news about their emergency response.
"The Cuban government publishes only what suits them, but the reality is evident: people are left stranded, evacuated without food in Vado del Yeso, Río Cauto. They haven't eaten in two days. The so-called 'mipimes' sell at exorbitant prices because the Cuban government is unable to handle this crisis," he stated.
Meanwhile, reports from Bayamo indicate that several evacuation centers there have received community support, with locals donating food, toys, and other supplies to the children and families displaced by the flooding.
In stark contrast, conditions at the Río Cauto evacuation centers remain bleak.
"It's frustrating, because in Bayamo people are stepping up, bringing food and toys to the evacuated children. It shouldn't be that here in Río Cauto we go without food for days, relying on outside help. It's unacceptable that outsiders treat us better than we do ourselves," lamented Marcos Reinier Tarragó Rosabal, who called for organizing a communal meal for those sheltered at the local Polytechnic.
Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc in eastern Cuba, with overflowing rivers, isolated communities, and thousands of evacuees. Although the authorities claim to be delivering food and basic supplies, on-the-ground reports reveal significant shortcomings in humanitarian aid and local coordination.
Alarcón's complaint adds to a growing number of citizen reports highlighting the struggles faced by evacuees in the affected regions.
While state media speaks of "order" and "control over the situation," social media has become the main platform for sharing videos and images of resource-strapped communities.
In Bayamo and other nearby areas, residents have organized collections to send food, clothing, and medicine to Río Cauto's evacuation centers.
The disaster has once again underscored eastern Cuba's vulnerability to natural catastrophes and the lack of resources to effectively respond to large-scale emergencies.
Understanding the Crisis in Río Cauto
What triggered the evacuation in Río Cauto?
The evacuation in Río Cauto was triggered by severe flooding caused by Hurricane Melissa, which led to rivers overflowing and communities becoming isolated.
How has the Cuban government responded to the crisis?
The Cuban government claims to be working on delivering food and essential supplies, but reports from the ground indicate that there are significant deficiencies in humanitarian assistance and local coordination.
How are local communities helping the evacuees?
In areas like Bayamo, local residents have organized collections to provide food, clothing, toys, and medicine to the evacuation centers in Río Cauto, showcasing community solidarity.