Good work has been done, but now comes the most complex stage: recovery

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President of Cuba’s National Defense Council, recently concluded a comprehensive tour of the Holguín municipalities most devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The storm, which struck as a Category 3 hurricane on October 29, left significant destruction in its wake, particularly in Urbano Noris and Cacocum. During his visit, Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of transparency and solidarity in the recovery process, acknowledging that while immediate solutions are not feasible, sustained efforts are underway to restore normalcy. Key priorities include sanitation, agricultural revitalization, and the restoration of essential services such as electricity, water, and telecommunications. The President also stressed the need for equitable distribution of aid and expedited construction of temporary housing. In addition to meeting with local authorities, Díaz-Canel visited affected communities, including the Guillermón Moncada Polytechnic and the Estrada neighborhood, where he assured residents of ongoing support. The hurricane caused extensive damage, with over 10,000 homes affected, 546 completely destroyed, and significant losses in agriculture and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, recovery efforts are progressing, with 60% of communication services restored and 56.95% of electricity customers back online. The President reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring no one is left helpless during this critical phase.