As hundreds of families in Santiago de Cuba remain without shelter or substantial aid following Hurricane Melissa, an incident in Baconao highlighted the indoctrination tactics used by the Cuban regime to shape public reactions to disasters.
During Miguel Díaz-Canel's visit to the affected communities, some locals expressed "satisfaction with his unwavering support" and thanked the leader for "feeling the pain of others," in a performance recorded and broadcasted by state media.
"We are not alone, not everything is lost here, there is revolution," stated one woman during the interview, almost verbatim echoing the propagandistic language typically seen in state-run disaster coverage on the island.
These statements, steeped in politically coerced loyalty, starkly contrast with the genuine desperation and frustration prevailing in other parts of eastern Cuba, where thousands of victims report losing everything without receiving state assistance.
In the state television's footage, residents also thank "the evacuation team members" and "those who have brought donations," despite local reports indicating that aid distribution remains minimal and controlled by political interests.
Just days before, in the nearby town of El Cobre, Díaz-Canel faced a tense moment when he dismissively responded to a woman lamenting the loss of her bed: "And I don't have one to give you now," he retorted.
This incident, captured by residents and shared by influencer Alex Otaola, depicted a leader lacking empathy amidst the hardship faced by the disaster-stricken population.
Following Hurricane Melissa's destructive path, Santiago de Cuba and other eastern provinces are grappling with a severe crisis: roofs torn off, crops destroyed, prolonged power outages, and an almost total collapse of transportation and electricity supply.
FAQs on the Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Cuba
What is the current situation in Santiago de Cuba after Hurricane Melissa?
Santiago de Cuba is experiencing a dire situation with widespread destruction, including damaged infrastructure, destroyed crops, and severe disruptions in electricity and transportation.
How has the Cuban government responded to the disaster?
The Cuban government's response has been criticized as lacking substantial aid, with reports of politically controlled and scarce aid distribution, contrasting with official narratives of adequate support.
What reactions did Miguel Díaz-Canel face during his visit to the affected areas?
Díaz-Canel's visit was marked by both orchestrated praise and genuine tension, the latter highlighted by his dismissive response to a local woman's plea for help, which was perceived as lacking empathy.