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Local authorities in the municipality of Rafael Freyre issued a message of solidarity this Wednesday, following the tragic explosion that occurred in a military materials warehouse in the town of Melones, Holguín, which left 13 people missing.
In the statement published on Facebook, they urged the families of the victims and the community to keep “hope alive” amid the anguish and uncertainty, despite the usual secrecy in official communication.
"We know that the anguish of not knowing the whereabouts of loved ones is an immense burden, and we want you to know that our thoughts and hopes are with you," the statement expresses.
Furthermore, the text emphasized the importance of mutual support and collective strength during these difficult times, although it refrained from providing details about the missing individuals or any progress in accessing the site of the explosion.
In their message, local authorities reiterated their willingness to provide emotional support and assistance to the families affected by the tragedy: "We urge you to support one another and seek comfort in the love of those around you. Together, we can face this adversity and hold on to our faith," the statement concluded.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, was caused by a fire while outdated ammunition was being sorted, according to a report from the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR).
The explosions left 13 people missing, including two military personnel with the rank of major, two second sergeants, and nine soldiers. So far, the MINFAR has not officially confirmed any fatalities.
Images that circulated on social media after the explosion revealed the magnitude of the explosion, which raised concerns in the region.
The relatives of the missing and the local population await the results of the search efforts and the official reports on what happened with uncertainty.
The Cuban leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, expressed his condolences on Tuesday to the people and government of China for the victims of an earthquake in Tibet, before addressing the fire that occurred in a MINFAR warehouse in Holguín.
"We express our solidarity with the people, the Party, and the Government of China for the tragic loss of human lives and the damage caused by the strong earthquake in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims," tweeted the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) early in the morning.
Later, around noon (more than six hours after the first reports of the explosions at the FAR arsenal), Díaz-Canel made his first public reference to what had happened and expressed his sorrow over the tragic event in Holguín, conveying his solidarity with "the families of the 13 missing individuals."
"We deeply regret the fire that occurred in a warehouse of the MINFAR in Melones, a municipality in Rafael Freyre, Holguín. We stand in solidarity with and support the families of the 13 missing individuals. Full attention is being given to what happened there, and the causes are being investigated," the leader stated.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Explosion in Holguín and the Cuban Government's Response
What happened at the military warehouse in Holguín?
The incident occurred due to a fire while outdated munitions were being sorted, which led to an explosion at the military materials warehouse in Melones, Holguín. As a result, 13 people are missing, including military personnel and young soldiers.
What has been the Cuban government's response to the explosion in Holguín?
The government has expressed solidarity with the affected families but has faced criticism for the slow pace of its public response. President Díaz-Canel first offered condolences for an earthquake in China before addressing the incident in Holguín, which sparked outrage on social media.
Why has there been outrage among the Cuban population following the explosion?
The outrage stems from the perception of a lack of transparency and prioritization by the government. Additionally, the fact that the missing include young recruits from the Military Service has intensified discontent, as it is viewed as a repetition of previous tragedies where young individuals lost their lives in similar situations.
What measures have been taken following the explosion at the Holguín warehouse?
More than 1,200 people have been evacuated from the areas near the incident as a preventive measure. Authorities continue to investigate the causes of the fire and assess the damage to property.
What has been the media coverage regarding the explosion in Holguín?
Media coverage has been limited and criticized for its lack of depth. The official media has been accused of secrecy and of not providing clear information, which has led to speculation and distrust among the population.
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