Eight years after Hurricane Matthew struck Guantánamo, there are still affected individuals to whom the government is providing cardboard to replace the roofs of their homes.
This is how a resident of the Maisí municipality reported to state television, demanding answers.
"It has been eight years since Matthew passed, and all they give me is a little cardboard roof. What can you do with a cardboard roof? Now they don't provide me with the answers I need, and I'm still stuck in this situation..." she questioned.
The man explained that he had to buy expensive tiles because the government never provided anything to help with his situation after the cyclone tore the roof off his house.
"I'm there with three little boards, so to speak, covering the room," he emphasized.
An elderly woman who lost her entire home revealed that the only aid she received from the authorities was a tarp and a roll of cardboard.
"We patched up a little piece there to fit in some tiles, and now they gave me a canopy..." he specified.
According to a leader from Maisí, there are still 407 families who suffered total collapses of their homes due to Hurricane Matthew, and even today, eight years later, they continue to live in what the government calls "temporary facilities."
This includes the damage caused by Hurricane Oscar on October 20. It is the second municipality most affected by partial and total collapses of roofs and homes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban Government's Response to Hurricanes Matthew and Oscar in Guantánamo.
Why did the Cuban government provide cardboard roofs to those affected by Hurricane Matthew in Guantánamo?
Eight years after Hurricane Matthew, the Cuban government still has not provided effective solutions for those affected, delivering cardboard roofs as a response to reconstruction. This measure has sparked outrage among the victims, who believe it is neither an adequate nor a lasting solution to protect their homes.
How has the Cuban government responded to the impacts of Hurricane Oscar in Guantánamo?
The Cuban government has faced significant criticism for the slow and ineffective response following Hurricane Oscar. **The reconstruction of homes is progressing slowly due to a shortage of materials and inadequate support for those affected**. Furthermore, the sale of mattresses and construction materials has been viewed as an insensitive measure, considering the economic situation of the impacted families.
What kind of assistance have the hurricane victims in Guantánamo received?
The affected individuals have received **international aid from organizations like UNICEF and the World Food Programme**, which have provided medical supplies, food, and temporary shelters. However, the distribution faces logistical and bureaucratic challenges, which have limited its reach and effectiveness in supporting the families impacted.
What criticisms has the Cuban government faced regarding disaster management in Guantánamo?
The Cuban government has faced criticism for its slow response and lack of preparedness in dealing with the disasters caused by hurricanes. Those affected have reported unmet promises and insufficient measures, such as the provision of cardboard roofs and the sale of mattresses, which do not address the urgent needs of the families impacted.
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