标签： Cuba

Under the leadership of First Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, alongside Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the National Defense Council has been rigorously overseeing recovery operations in regions devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The storm inflicted severe damage on Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Holguín, disrupting essential services such as electricity, water supply, and telecommunications.

The restoration of electricity has been a focal point, with significant progress reported in various provinces. In Las Tunas, 99.95% of customers have regained power, while Guantánamo and Holguín have achieved 96.45% and 79.76% restoration, respectively. However, Santiago de Cuba remains a critical area, with only 29.23% of electricity services restored due to extensive damage to distribution lines. Efforts are concentrated here, with additional brigades being deployed to expedite repairs.

Water supply restoration is also underway, with varying levels of success across provinces. Holguín has restored service to 83% of its population, while Guantánamo and Granma have achieved 96% and 55%, respectively. Santiago de Cuba, however, lags with 57% restoration, partly reliant on water trucks.

The Economic and Social Body subgroups reported on agricultural recovery, with 13,000 hectares of crops like plantains, cassava, and coffee already rehabilitated. Additionally, construction materials and equipment have been dispatched to aid in rebuilding efforts.

The National Civil Defense General Staff has transitioned several municipalities into the Recovery Phase, acknowledging the disciplined and cooperative response from the population and media during this crisis.

Laurent Brun, a prominent leader of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) and member of its Confederal Bureau, recently held a meeting with Otto Vaillant, the Cuban Ambassador to Paris. The discussions centered on the initial outcomes of a solidarity campaign initiated by the union to aid victims of a devastating storm that ravaged eastern Cuba in late October. The storm, characterized by winds surpassing 200 kilometers per hour and relentless torrential rains, left widespread destruction in its wake.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Cuba has initiated extensive recovery efforts to address the widespread devastation across its eastern provinces. Preliminary estimates reveal that over 76,000 homes have been affected, with significant damage to infrastructure, crops, and essential services. President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, addressing the nation during the National Defense Council meeting, praised the resilience and unity of the Cuban people, emphasizing that no lives were lost despite the severe material losses. The hurricane’s impact has been exacerbated by the ongoing U.S. economic blockade, which has strained resources and recovery capabilities. Over 1 million people were evacuated, with more than 54,000 still residing in shelters. Restoration efforts are underway, with electricity and water services being gradually reinstated in affected areas. The government has mobilized state agencies, international aid, and community participation to expedite recovery. President Díaz-Canel highlighted the collective spirit of the nation, stating, ‘In Cuba, we are all the state,’ and reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring no one is left behind. The recovery process is expected to be prolonged, but intensive work has already restored power and communications in several regions. The Ministry of Economy and Planning reported dynamic damage assessments, with thousands of homes partially or completely destroyed. Health and epidemiological measures have been prioritized to prevent disease outbreaks, while educational institutions are gradually reopening. International aid, including contributions from Germany, Norway, and Canada, has bolstered recovery efforts. The Cuban government remains steadfast in its resolve to rebuild and restore normalcy, underscoring the nation’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba, the Cuban government has outlined the procedures for receiving and managing international donations. Granma interviewed William Díaz Menéndez, Director General of International Cooperation, and Zoe Hernández Portales, Director of ProCuba, both officials from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment (Mincex), to provide clarity on the process. They explained that Decree Law No. 16 governs emergency situations, granting Mincex the authority to approve international donation offers. All legal entities in Cuba are permitted to manage and receive donations from various sources, including multilateral, bilateral, governmental, private, and individual contributors, including Cuban expatriates. Mincex oversees this process through its International Aid Group, ensuring that all state bodies report and coordinate donation offers for evaluation and approval. For in-kind donations, an expedited customs procedure is in place once Mincex grants approval, though designated importers must follow specific protocols. Financial donations can be directed to accounts in three Cuban banks: Banco Popular de Ahorro, Banco Financiero Internacional, and Banco Internacional de Comercio. The government clarified that there are no restrictions on donations, except for items with inherent limitations. A preliminary list of needed resources has been shared with Cuban missions abroad to facilitate the process. Both officials emphasized that while Cuba does not solicit aid, it deeply appreciates and facilitates the channels of solidarity offered during these challenging times.