Freddy King Flow, a Cuban TikToker, recently journeyed to Vallate in Guantánamo to deliver aid to families devastated by Hurricane Melissa, a region severely impacted in eastern Cuba.
The footage he shared online paints a stark contrast to Miguel Díaz-Canel's statements, which downplayed the damage in the province as "minor" and suggested that recovery could be achieved with local resources.
In the videos posted by Freddy, viewers can see homes without roofs, collapsed walls, and families cooking amid the rubble, expressing gratitude for the donations gathered by his followers.
Speaking with a calm yet emotional tone, Freddy King Flow described how "people welcomed us with tears in their eyes, as many had lost their roofs, and others had their homes completely destroyed and on the ground."
The young influencer explained that his team ventured into remote areas to provide essential supplies like rice, sugar, chicken, oil, and drinks.
"They didn't know what to do; seeing all those destroyed homes, we were also at a loss for words to lift their spirits, but somehow, we managed to do something positive for these people," he shared in one of the videos filmed among ruins and muddy streets.
Contradicting the government's optimistic rhetoric, Freddy's content reveals the despair and neglect faced by families still awaiting official assistance. In one scene, he hands a bag of groceries to a man who lost his home's roof.
"I know it doesn't fix the roof or everything, but at least it's something to eat for a day and a half," he says empathetically. The visibly exhausted man responds with a simple "thank you for coming."
One of the most striking images captures a man cooking on an improvised stove, while Freddy comments, "A cyclone came, there's no food, nothing has arrived at the store... yet look how they eat with joy, as if nothing could bring them down."
In a poignant moment, Freddy emphasizes that the aid did not come from any institution but from ordinary people united from within and outside the country. "If we're the face, behind us are many people who gave up what they had to support those in need," he said, acknowledging the support of his social media community.
Understanding Freddy King Flow's Impact in Guantánamo
What inspired Freddy King Flow to deliver aid to Guantánamo?
Freddy King Flow was motivated by the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa on Guantánamo's communities, prompting him to deliver essential supplies to those who had lost almost everything.
How do Freddy's videos contrast with government statements?
Freddy's videos highlight extensive damage and hardship faced by families, contradicting the government's claims of minor damage and self-sufficient recovery.
Who contributed to the aid delivered by Freddy King Flow?
The aid was a collective effort from everyday people, both inside and outside of Cuba, who sacrificed their own resources to help those in need.