Following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa and subsequent floods, families from the village of El Sitio in Manzanillo, Granma, are now residing in makeshift tents along the roadside.
José Ortiz Benet, a journalist based in Manzanillo, shared the harrowing conditions of the community on his Facebook page. "Today, I visited El Sitio, one of the villages in Manzanillo hit hard by Hurricane Melissa and the recent flooding. The water levels have receded, but the surreal reality here has intensified. It's an extreme glimpse into human conditions, and in such a short time, I've witnessed so much that all I can do is ask brief questions and listen intently," he remarked.
He recounted that "some residents have lost everything and now find themselves surviving on the roadside under tents provided by the Municipal Defense Council after evacuations. Some are still searching for family members, even in neighboring towns."
Ortiz Benet highlighted the desperate need for "water, medicine, and food." He noted that although aid has come in the form of donations from Cuban Americans, local small businesses like Bajo Cero and Casa Tres Delicias, and the government, including essentials, sweets, and milk for children, "they need much more, a lot more."
"I must leave now, leaving behind an invisible pain, oppressive heat, and deep misery that scares away everything but the relentless pests," Ortiz Benet concluded in his post.
Photographs he shared reveal white tents, improvised kitchens, and personal belongings scattered in the open air.
The social media post sparked numerous reactions, with users expressing sadness, outrage, and demands for assistance. Some mourned the lack of effective solutions, while others reported that tarps distributed to the affected were being withdrawn.
Throughout the province, the destruction is extensive. The Provincial Directorate of Education in Granma has confirmed that classes have not resumed to "ensure the safety and well-being" of students and teachers, given the cyclone's aftermath.
In Río Cauto, rescue and evacuation efforts continue for hundreds affected by the rising Cauto River, and only 25% of the electrical service has been restored in the province.
Amidst the catastrophe, acts of solidarity have emerged, such as a young man from Guamo who offered his motorcycle to transport evacuees for free, showcasing community support amid the crisis.
"Eastern Cuba is facing a profound humanitarian crisis, and the worst part is that there's no telling when it might end," Ortiz Benet warned in his post.
Understanding the Crisis in Granma after Hurricane Melissa
What immediate needs do the residents of El Sitio have?
The residents urgently require water, medicine, and food. Despite some donations, the need for these essentials remains critical.
How has the community responded to the crisis?
There have been acts of solidarity, such as community members offering free transportation to evacuees, reflecting a strong sense of communal support during this emergency.
What is the status of educational activities in Granma?
Educational activities have been suspended to protect students and teachers, with no clear timeline for when classes might resume.