A journalist from CMKC Radio Revolución in Santiago de Cuba suffered severe injuries when his home in Altamira neighborhood collapsed during the onslaught of Hurricane Melissa.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Romero shared how he was aided by neighbors while dealing with shock, disrupted breathing, and bleeding facial wounds—symptoms that endangered his life as he attempted to assist his daughter, granddaughter, and son-in-law, who were also in the house at the time of the disaster.
"Under observation but alive, I can speak now, write with difficulty, and continue fighting against the demons. The pain is immense, but I'm alive," the reporter conveyed, highlighting the severity of his injuries and the physical toll of the incident.
He expressed gratitude for those who helped him, including the on-call medical team that provided urgent care.
His ordeal is just one among hundreds of families in Santiago de Cuba who have lost everything.
The Ongoing Plight of Altamira's Residents
In Altamira, the situation remains dire: many homes are still flooded, and residents struggle to salvage the little they have left.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported that affected families include young children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, stuck in low-lying areas occupied after the city's housing stock collapsed.
"Since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, these families have never received a proper solution. No materials, no homes, no land... just promises and endless waiting. Thirteen years later, the story repeats: the rain devastates and the government turns a blind eye," Mayeta Labrada stated.
Devastation Across Santiago de Cuba
Hurricane Melissa caused widespread destruction in Santiago de Cuba, stretching from Cayo Granma to Contramaestre.
In Cayo Granma, many houses were reduced to rubble, with soaked mattresses, collapsed walls, and lost belongings.
In the Chicharrones area, residents displayed the aftermath—fallen trees, twisted zinc sheets, and destroyed furniture—remnants of their homes.
Contramaestre was submerged in water and mud after several rivers overflowed, while in Guamá, Melissa made landfall with winds around 200 km/h, tearing off roofs and blocking roads with tons of debris.
A Crisis Decades in the Making
The tragedy in Altamira and other parts of eastern Cuba underscores the ongoing housing crisis, with decades of unresolved issues.
Many victims of previous hurricanes had yet to recover, now facing new losses.
While the government insists on a triumphant narrative regarding emergency management, affected families remain exposed and abandoned, waiting for real assistance amid the devastation.
Romero Chang remains under medical observation, serving as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability thousands of Cubans face against natural phenomena that annually highlight the frailty of the housing system and the inadequate state response to natural disasters.
Understanding the Impact of Hurricane Melissa in Cuba
What were the main areas affected by Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage in areas such as Cayo Granma, Contramaestre, and Guamá, with widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.
How are local communities responding to the aftermath of the hurricane?
Communities are struggling to recover, grappling with flooded homes and lost possessions. They rely on mutual aid and limited resources to cope with the aftermath.
What is the current housing crisis in Santiago de Cuba?
The housing crisis in Santiago de Cuba is a long-standing issue, with many families living in precarious conditions without adequate solutions from the government.