The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel urged the population this Tuesday to "act responsibly" in light of the imminent approach of Hurricane Melissa, which is approaching the eastern part of the country and threatens to leave a trail of destruction throughout the national territory.
"Dear Cuban people, compatriots: the most important thing now is that we all act responsibly," said the president in a televised address as the head of the National Defense Council, in which he warned that the cyclone—already past Jamaica and heading towards Cuba—will be "one of the strongest or perhaps the most severe to have ever passed through the national territory."
Díaz-Canel assured that “all measures have been taken” and emphasized the “responsible and coherent” work of the Defense Councils at all levels.
According to the explanation, thousands of people have been evacuated to safe locations, and teams for electricity, hydraulic resources, communications, and construction are already mobilized in the eastern part of the country to begin the recovery "as soon as conditions allow."
"There will be much work to do. We know that this cyclone will cause significant damage due to its very nature, but we will have the capacity to recover... We rely on the unity of our people and the heroism and resilience of the Cuban people. Together, we will overcome," he stated.
Oriente on alert and a vulnerable population
The provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín remain under hurricane watch, while forecasts from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warn of rainfall between 300 and 450 millimeters, storm surges, and flash flooding.
In Santiago de Cuba, citizen reports speak of prolonged blackouts, food shortages, and homes at risk. “We are trying to make do with what we have,” a resident told CiberCuba, reflecting the uncertainty of thousands of families facing the situation with minimal resources.
Despite the official call to maintain discipline, many fear that the accumulated shortages and the deterioration of infrastructure will complicate evacuation and recovery efforts.
A call to solidarity
Díaz-Canel urged Cubans not to return to their homes until authorities give the signal and to avoid "irresponsible adventures" such as crossing swollen rivers or staying in vulnerable areas. He also announced that organizations from the United Nations System have made resources available to the country for assisting the affected individuals.
"We want to emphasize the magnitude of this event... It is a duty and a responsibility of every Cuban citizen to position themselves in safe areas to face this hurricane," underscored the leader.
With the approach of Melissa expected on the night of this Tuesday and the early hours of Wednesday, Cuba is once again testing its resilience in the face of one of the most intense weather events in its recent history, amid an economic crisis that leaves many with hardly any means to protect themselves.
Filed under: