New assessments from the United Nations reveal that Hurricane Melissa has impacted more than 3.5 million Cubans, significantly revising the initial numbers released by the island's government.
The information, shared by the EFE news agency, stems from an official UN report following an evaluation visit to the most severely hit areas in eastern Cuba. The cyclone made landfall there twelve days ago as a Category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
The report indicates that over 90,000 homes experienced partial or total destruction, and about 100,000 hectares of agricultural land were devastated. This marks a 15% and 22% increase, respectively, compared to figures initially released by Cuban authorities.
The international body described the hurricane's impact as "enormous," noting that damages extended to 600 medical facilities and over 2,000 educational centers, in addition to bridges, roads, dams, and telecommunications towers.
The damage to the National Electric System is particularly severe. Nearly one-third of customers across the five affected provinces remain without power almost two weeks after the hurricane's passage.
In response to the extensive damage, the UN has launched a $74.2 million Action Plan for Cuba, aimed at addressing the basic needs of approximately one million severely affected individuals, including food, shelter, and access to safe drinking water.
While the hurricane did not result in any fatalities—according to official narratives—its winds, reaching up to 200 kilometers per hour, and rainfall of 400 millimeters in certain areas caused widespread destruction in both rural and urban communities.
This disaster strikes as the nation grapples with a profound economic crisis, characterized by shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, relentless inflation, a healthcare crisis, and prolonged daily blackouts.
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa's devastation in eastern Cuba, the regime reported 1,318 total housing collapses, with 16,464 homes affected, 1,142 of which sustained partial damage.
Regarding roofs, 5,279 were completely lost and another 8,666 suffered partial destruction. A subsequent report increased the number of affected homes to 45,000 cases. "Preliminary counts now show 45,282 housing impacts, mostly on roofs. The distribution of tiles has already begun," stated Cuba's Presidency on social media platform X.
However, preliminary figures—according to the UN and prior to Monday’s update—indicated over 60,000 homes damaged or destroyed, 461 health facilities impacted, 1,552 schools with structural damage, and 78,700 hectares of crops devastated.
Impact of Hurricane Melissa on Cuba: Key Questions Answered
How many homes were affected by Hurricane Melissa in Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa affected over 90,000 homes, with a subsequent report raising this number to 45,282 homes, mostly due to roof damage.
What sectors were most impacted by Hurricane Melissa?
The hurricane severely affected housing, agriculture, health facilities, educational centers, and infrastructure such as roads and telecommunications.
What has been the UN's response to the disaster?
The UN has initiated a $74.2 million Action Plan to meet the basic needs of around one million people severely affected by the hurricane.