Eliannis Villavicencio Jorge, the wife of political prisoner Alexander Verdecia Rodríguez, took to social media to reveal the severe condition of her home in Río Cauto, Granma province, following the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The photos shared by Villavicencio depict her house's interior drenched in mud and water, with furniture damaged and the floor completely submerged.
“This is what my home looks like now. Lord, give strength to all those who have lost their belongings. It's heartbreaking and tragic what my community is going through,” she wrote in one post, accompanied by images showing the extent of the destruction.
In another message, she explained that she had to flee her residence with her two daughters, seeking shelter under a makeshift tent at a nearby school along with other residents.
“Thank God for protecting us and giving us a new dawn. We ran to the school because it's the closest and highest place near my home,” she recounted, refuting rumors that downplayed the severity of the situation.
Her story echoes those of numerous families who lost everything in Río Cauto, one of the areas hardest hit by the overflow of Cuba's longest river.
The torrential rains from Hurricane Melissa caused the Cauto River to overflow, partially collapsing roads and homes in communities like Guamo Viejo, Cayama, and Trinidad, where residents complain of inadequate assistance and slow government response.
Videos circulating on social media show streets transformed into rivers, rooftops barely visible above the water, and inhabitants pleading for rescue as military helicopters fly overhead. Although state media claimed there was “no need for a mass evacuation,” local accounts contradict this narrative.
Amidst this calamity, Villavicencio also contends with the absence of her husband, Alexander Verdecia Rodríguez, the coordinator of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (Unpacu) in Río Cauto, imprisoned since February. The prosecution is seeking a 10-year sentence for his anti-government expressions on social media.
“God gave us a new dawn,” Eliannis wrote, maintaining the faith that sustains her as she highlights the pain of a community striving to endure amid oppression and natural disaster, holding on to whatever little they have left.
FAQs on the Río Cauto Flooding and Its Impact
What caused the flooding in Río Cauto?
The flooding in Río Cauto was caused by the torrential rains from Hurricane Melissa, which led to the overflow of the Cauto River.
How has the community of Río Cauto been affected?
The community has been severely impacted, with many families losing their homes and belongings. Roads and houses have partially collapsed, and there is a significant need for assistance and rescue efforts.
What is the situation regarding Alexander Verdecia Rodríguez?
Alexander Verdecia Rodríguez, a political dissident and coordinator of Unpacu in Río Cauto, has been imprisoned since February. The prosecution is seeking a 10-year sentence for his critical expressions against the government on social media.