标签： Cuba

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.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has been actively overseeing recovery operations in the eastern regions of Cuba, particularly in Guamá and El Cobre, areas severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane, which struck with devastating force, caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and natural landscapes. Díaz-Canel, accompanied by key government officials, visited affected communities to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. In Guamá, the president emphasized the urgency of restoring critical roadways, such as the Granma Highway, which was rendered impassable due to landslides. He also inspected the Uvero Bridge, where a sinkhole had disrupted traffic, and called for long-term solutions to enhance the resilience of infrastructure against future extreme weather events. In the Aserradero community, where the hurricane’s eye lingered, materials for home repairs, including 2,500 fiber cement tiles, have begun to arrive. The president urged collective efforts to restore the area’s natural beauty and the spirit of its residents. In El Cobre, a town of historical significance, Díaz-Canel witnessed the extensive damage and the ongoing restoration work. He highlighted the importance of solidarity and support from specialized brigades, the FAR, and the Minint. Despite the challenges, the community remains resilient, with efforts underway to rebuild homes and restore essential services. The president also addressed concerns about the timely delivery of aid to remote areas and the resolution of pre-existing issues, such as access to drinking water. Throughout his visit, Díaz-Canel expressed his commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the recovery process.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has intensified efforts to assess and accelerate recovery in the eastern regions devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Over the past week, Díaz-Canel has focused on the hardest-hit areas, including Cauto Cristo and Río Cauto, which remain under hurricane alert. Accompanied by high-ranking officials, he engaged with local residents, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity and government responsiveness during this challenging period. The President highlighted the critical role of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and Ministry of Interior (Minint) in rescue operations, particularly in flood-affected zones. He also stressed the need for swift action to restore infrastructure, agriculture, and housing, while ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced families. Despite significant losses in crops and livestock, Díaz-Canel expressed optimism about the recovery process, urging collective effort and resilience. The President’s visit underscored the importance of updating disaster response plans to better handle future crises of similar magnitude.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Cuba has launched a comprehensive recovery initiative, spearheaded by the President of the National Defense Council, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. The recent high-level meeting, attended by key government figures including Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa and Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera, focused on assessing and accelerating the restoration of essential services across the hardest-hit eastern regions. Significant progress has been reported in the restoration of electricity, with Las Tunas achieving 94.5% recovery, while efforts in Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo are ongoing. Santiago de Cuba is poised for a substantial recovery once the Felton thermoelectric plant becomes operational. The meeting also highlighted the receipt of international and domestic donations, including vital supplies like food, medicine, and construction materials, which are being systematically distributed to affected areas. Additionally, the restoration of drinking water services has seen notable advancements, with Las Tunas fully restored and other regions making steady progress. The construction sector is actively addressing housing damages, with innovative solutions like container-based housing being explored. Educational facilities, many of which served as shelters, are also being repaired. The government’s coordinated response, supported by the Revolutionary Armed Forces and local authorities, underscores a unified effort to mitigate the hurricane’s impact and expedite recovery. Lessons from this crisis are being meticulously analyzed to enhance future disaster preparedness and response strategies.