The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the Cuban government struggling to cope with the extensive damage. According to the United Nations, which communicated with EFE, the Cuban authorities are overwhelmed by the needs of more than 3.5 million people affected by the disaster, which has been described as "enormous" in scope.
UN Resident Coordinator in Cuba, Francisco Pichón, noted that initial estimates by the regime underestimated the extent of the destruction. Over 90,000 homes were either damaged or completely destroyed, and 100,000 hectares of farmland were wiped out.
Additionally, 600 medical facilities and over 2,000 educational centers have been damaged, alongside the collapse of roads, bridges, power lines, and telecommunications antennas.
"National institutions are overwhelmed with the necessity of responding and creating conditions for early recovery," stated Pichón.
Despite successfully evacuating approximately 735,000 individuals with no reported fatalities, the magnitude of the disaster, coupled with the current economic and energy crises on the island, highlights the nation’s vulnerability in dealing with emergencies of this magnitude.
Since Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba in late October as a Category 3 hurricane with winds reaching up to 200 kilometers per hour, the United Nations has played a central role in the humanitarian response.
The UN has launched an Action Plan to assist one million "severely affected" individuals, with an initial fundraising goal of $74.2 million, of which at least $11 million has already been mobilized.
In recent days, organizations like the World Food Program (WFP), UNDP, UNICEF, and PAHO have distributed food, medicines, electric generators, and solar systems in provinces such as Granma, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo.
In Bayamo, UN warehouses are serving as logistical hubs where displaced families are provided with rations of rice, peas, and oil.
"The work continues into the night. Many have lost everything," shared a WFP official from Granma, while residents in El Cobre, Santiago, describe the situation as "a war against poverty and neglect."
Pichón emphasized that Cuba cannot tackle the reconstruction alone and called for international support to prevent the collapse of basic services. "International community support is needed; we must not leave Cuba alone at this time," he stressed.
Questions About Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Cuba
How many homes were affected by Hurricane Melissa in Cuba?
Over 90,000 homes were either damaged or completely destroyed by the hurricane.
What role is the United Nations playing in Cuba's recovery?
The United Nations is spearheading a humanitarian response and launched an Action Plan to assist one million people severely affected by the disaster.
What is the current state of educational and medical facilities in Cuba after the hurricane?
600 medical facilities and over 2,000 educational centers have been damaged, posing significant challenges to recovery efforts.