The devastation caused by Hurricane Rafael in several municipalities in western Cuba has highlighted the fragility of infrastructure and the lack of government support in many affected areas, according to reports from citizens on social media.
One of those voices is that of Maydelin Soroa, a Cuban mother living in Candelaria, Artemisa, who shared a heartbreaking message on Facebook about the conditions her community is facing following the atmospheric phenomenon and the apparent abandonment by the authorities.
In his post, Soroa described how, days after the disaster, his community still lacks basic services such as electricity, drinking water, and access to food. "That's my son's house in Candelaria, and believe me, there are those in worse condition," he wrote.
The woman stated that not a single official has come to assess the damages or provide any type of assistance, leaving families to fend for themselves and highlighting the vulnerability in which they find themselves.
“There is no electricity, no water, and even less food; that has never been seen in Cuba. This is an excessive level of incompetence and a severe lack of humanity,” he emphasized in his message.
In addition to highlighting the material difficulties they face, Soroa also called upon the conscience of the Cuban people, questioning their inaction in the face of the critical situation the country is experiencing.
"How long will we remain silent?" he asked in his message, harshly criticizing President Miguel Díaz-Canel, whom he called "too small" to address the country's challenges.
In his critique, he emphasized the leaders' lack of sensitivity and the abandonment of the values of solidarity and humanism that once characterized Cuban society.
"In Cuba, there is no sense of belonging, nor are there leaders; only clowns and incompetent puppets remain, doing nothing for the country or its people. Their only priority is to enrich themselves," Soroa denounced, reflecting the growing social discontent and disenchantment of many Cubans toward what they see as an administration focused on its own interests, disconnected from the reality of the people.
He also questioned the fate of the international donations sent to Cuba in response to the emergency caused by Hurricane Rafael. “Mexico makes donations, and the USA does too, so where are they? Because the victims of the cyclone have received nothing, not even a hello,” he added in his post, expressing an indignation shared by many Cubans who believe that the government never manages humanitarian assistance properly.
The situation that Soroa is highlighting reflects a reality that extends beyond its community, showcasing the challenges of a system that, according to critical citizens, prioritizes its image and political control over the well-being of its people.
On Wednesday, the ruler Díaz-Canel was in Artemisa and detailed that they have set as "strategic tasks" sanitation, electricity, and water. "We are making progress, because we will move forward," he said, surrounded by populist slogans. "Count on the People's Council of Pueblo Nuevo because there is the blood of Artemisa," the delegate shouted in an exalted state.
A week after the impact of Hurricane Rafael, 87.09% of the province of Artemisa remains without electricity, meaning that only 26,384 customers - 12.91% - have access to the service.
Rafael also left a deep crisis in the healthcare sector, affecting a total of 119 centers across 11 municipalities, while 48 sports facilities similarly sustained severe damage.
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