The leader of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Granma, Yudelkis Ortiz, acknowledged this Tuesday that the government is selling one pound of rice per consumer due to food shortages and the imminent impact of Hurricane Melissa, which is approaching the eastern region of Cuba.
In statements broadcasted on Facebook, Ortiz responded to questions from the public and acknowledged the critical situation regarding food supply in the province.
"We are selling one pound of rice per consumer," said the official when asked about the measures taken in light of the approaching cyclone.
The representative of the PCC added that the 13 municipal defense councils have been instructed to take all necessary precautionary measures, especially in the coastal areas of Granma, where strong winds, rain, and flooding are anticipated.
“We need to focus on protecting ourselves. The evacuation centers are already receiving food, following complaints from evacuees,” Ortiz stated, referring to the report of a citizen who criticized the lack of provisions in the shelters when a lot of food is going to be lost due to the cyclone.
The communist leader also confirmed that Granma will be without electricity during the passage of the hurricane, and that the population should stay informed through the defense councils, which will communicate updates "face to face", due to the impossibility of doing so through usual channels.
“We will be disconnected without electricity, and the defense councils will provide information directly to the population,” he said.
Ortiz's statements highlight the serious logistical and food deterioration facing the eastern region of Cuba with the imminent arrival of hurricane Melissa, while the government attempts to manage the situation amid a crisis exacerbated by a lack of resources, infrastructure, and transparency in emergency management.
Citizens remain outraged by the government's incompetence in ensuring basic needs.
"Campechuela has been without power since early morning, with no priority for residents to prepare their meals, recharge, and brace for the impact of the night and the disaster... what a shame that what used to be a priority is no longer a priority," commented one person on the official's video.
"The Defense Council of Las Caobas was not activated; there are houses in Las Caobas that are in very poor condition, worsening after last year's earthquake, and those people need to be evacuated. They were only told they had to leave, but nothing is organized," said another, contradicting Ortiz.
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