标签： Cuba

Over the weekend, relentless efforts were made to address the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba, focusing on rescue operations, sanitation, and recovery. President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, head of the National Defense Council, praised the combatants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) for their heroic and skillful rescue missions. He emphasized that erasing the extensive damage caused by Melissa would require a monumental effort and widespread cooperation. The hurricane’s torrential rains triggered unprecedented flooding, necessitating the evacuation of thousands of people via air, boat, and train. In the Granma municipality of Río Cauto, hundreds of residents were relocated to Las Tunas, where evacuation centers have been established to shelter approximately 2,400 people. Health responses have been intensified, with a focus on vulnerable communities. Measures include enhanced epidemiological surveillance, deployment of medical brigades, distribution of essential supplies, and activation of prevention protocols to mitigate potential disease outbreaks. Transportation Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila reported severe damage to the railway line to Santiago de Cuba, particularly the Central Line between kilometers 833 and 834.5. Meanwhile, brigades from the electricity and telecommunications sectors are working tirelessly to restore services in affected areas.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has initiated a comprehensive tour of Holguín, one of the regions most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful hurricane in Cuba’s recorded meteorological history. Accompanied by key government officials, including Roberto Morales Ojeda, head of the Political-Ideological Work Body, and several deputy prime ministers, Díaz-Canel assessed the extensive damage and coordinated recovery efforts. The hurricane caused widespread destruction, including flooding, uprooted trees, and submerged villages, displacing thousands of residents. During his visit to the José Martí Pre-University Vocational Institute of Exact Sciences (IPVCE), which has sheltered 321 evacuees, the president emphasized the importance of prioritizing life and ensuring the safe return of displaced families to their homes. He also highlighted the resilience of the community and the effective response of local authorities. The president’s itinerary included visits to critical infrastructure, such as the Providencia photovoltaic solar park and the Vladimir Ilich Lenin General Hospital, both of which withstood the hurricane’s impact. Díaz-Canel underscored the need for organized and responsible recovery efforts, particularly in agriculture and housing, and commended the collaborative work of various government bodies. The provincial leadership, led by Joel Queipo Ruiz, reported significant challenges, including crop losses and damaged communications, but reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and accelerating recovery.

The story of Camilo, a revolutionary figure whose life and legacy continue to inspire generations, is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice. Born into humble beginnings, Camilo grew up in a modest household, where he developed a strong sense of empathy and a desire to protect the vulnerable. Despite financial hardships that forced him to leave the San Alejandro Academy, he balanced his education with tailoring work, demonstrating his determination to persevere against all odds.

At the age of 21, Camilo joined protests against a corrupt regime, an act that marked the beginning of his revolutionary journey. Targeted by repressive forces, he was forced into exile, but his spirit remained unbroken. He returned to his homeland, only to be exiled again, eventually joining a revolutionary group that would change the course of history. In a daring and arduous journey, he returned to Cuba aboard a yacht designed for tourists, which carried 82 expedition members, including himself.

Camilo’s pivotal moment came when he landed with Fidel Castro, joining his guerrilla column and remaining by his side throughout the revolutionary struggle. His leadership and bravery earned him the title ‘Lord of the Vanguard,’ and he played a crucial role in the eventual triumph of the revolution. Camilo’s life was cut short, but his legacy lives on, immortalized in the hearts of the Cuban people.

Every year, the nation mourns his physical absence by flooding rivers, coastlines, and reservoirs with flowers, a tradition that symbolizes his enduring presence. Camilo’s story transcends time, as he has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unyielding fight for justice. His legacy is a testament to the power of conviction and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to challenge oppression.

In a heartfelt message to the people of eastern Cuba, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, head of the National Defense Council, called for unity and discipline as Hurricane Melissa threatens the region. Drawing inspiration from Fidel Castro’s resilience during Hurricane Flora, Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of protecting lives above all else. He urged citizens to remain alert, act with solidarity, and adhere to safety protocols to mitigate the storm’s impact. Hurricane Melissa, a highly dangerous system with destructive winds and heavy rainfall, has prompted extensive preparations, including evacuations, resource safeguarding, and the reinforcement of critical infrastructure. Despite these efforts, the President acknowledged the unpredictability of such events and stressed the need for personal responsibility. He advised families to prioritize the safety of children and elderly relatives, keep essential supplies on hand, and maintain communication. The President’s message underscored the Cuban spirit of mutual care and resilience, urging citizens to avoid complacency and work together to minimize vulnerabilities. As Melissa approaches, the nation remains focused on preserving life and minimizing destruction.

In response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has issued urgent directives to safeguard the population and minimize potential damage. During an extended meeting of the National Defense Council (CDN), Díaz-Canel emphasized the critical need for timely evacuations, particularly for residents in flood-prone areas, downstream from dams, and other high-risk zones. The meeting, conducted via videoconference, included officials from provinces on alert, such as Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, Las Tunas, Camagüey, Ciego de Ávila, and Sancti Spíritus.

Díaz-Canel highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, including elderly individuals living alone, and ensuring the safety of personal property and pets. He also stressed the necessity of maintaining a steady flow of information to the public to prevent reckless behavior. The president called for comprehensive measures to secure material resources, livestock, agricultural products, and boats, while prioritizing food processing and evacuation centers. Additionally, he instructed authorities to prepare for the recovery phase, focusing on restoring essential services such as electricity, water supply, and sanitation.

Dr. Celso Pazos Alberdi, Director General of the Institute of Meteorology, provided an update on Hurricane Melissa, predicting its landfall in eastern Cuba as a high-intensity hurricane. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall, with accumulations of 200 to 400 millimeters in 34 to 48 hours, and coastal flooding due to sea surges. Major General Ramón Pardo Guerra, head of the National Civil Defense Staff, reported on ongoing evacuations, including tourists in Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguín, due to flood risks.

Provincial leaders detailed their preparedness efforts. In Granma, 110,000 people, including 470 pregnant women, are being protected in evacuation centers or with family and friends. Santiago de Cuba has plans to safeguard 258,573 residents, with dams ready to release water and attention given to the coffee harvest. Holguín has 151 evacuation centers ready for 305,530 people, while Guantánamo is preparing to evacuate 140,000 residents. Similar measures are underway in Las Tunas, where 113 protection centers are available.

In his concluding remarks, Díaz-Canel commended the provinces for their responsible and knowledgeable approach to the crisis. He expressed confidence in the resilience of the Cuban people, assuring that with collective effort, the nation will overcome the challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa.