A Cuban woman, known on TikTok as @dalyydanyfamily, shared an emotional account of her experience during Hurricane Melissa, which swept through eastern Cuba in the early hours with a Category 3 force. The storm left the entire region without power and caused severe flooding, building collapses, and significant material losses.
"That night was terrifying; honestly, I don't even want to remember it," the visibly shaken young woman recounted in a video posted on the social platform.
She described how, during the hurricane's impact, everything was pitch dark, and the powerful winds were relentless. By dawn, the scene was bleak: "In front of my house, it was just wind and rain, but initially, the damage didn't seem too extensive. Once we regained connection, we realized the true extent of the situation, and it was very sad."
According to her story, numerous homes were completely inundated. In one of the clips she shared, a two-story house had its ground floor entirely submerged, while rescue teams evacuated residents. "There were many collapses and material losses. We still don't grasp the full severity of the situation, nor do we know how many lives have been lost," she added.
The young woman expressed sorrow over the many towns that remain cut off and the struggle of those outside the island to reach their family members within. "This hurricane has been horrific, terrifying. It's been an incredibly ugly situation. We've suffered significant losses," she stated.
Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude for her safety, while dealing with the lack of electricity, water, and food: "My refrigerator is completely defrosted, and what little I have left is scarce, but I know I'm in the same boat as most people in eastern Cuba, perhaps even better off than many who have nothing at all."
The TikToker also called for solidarity, offering to donate a mattress and some clothing to families who lost everything. "If you know anyone in Bayamo who has suffered losses, let me know in the comments so I can reach out," she urged, showing empathy and a willingness to help.
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of devastation across eastern Cuba, with swollen rivers, isolated communities, and severe damage to homes and infrastructure. Authorities have yet to provide an official report on the casualties or the total damage caused by the storm.
Understanding the Impact of Hurricane Melissa in Cuba
What category was Hurricane Melissa when it hit Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa was a Category 3 storm when it struck eastern Cuba.
What were the main consequences of Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba?
The hurricane resulted in widespread power outages, severe flooding, building collapses, and significant material losses throughout the region.
How did the local community respond to the hurricane's aftermath?
Local residents, such as the TikToker @dalyydanyfamily, called for solidarity and offered support to those in need, despite facing their own challenges.