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In the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba, the community project "Dar es dar" launched a solidarity campaign to collect aid for the communities affected by the cyclone this Wednesday.
The activist Mabel Cuesta called on Facebook to donate food, clothing, medicine, and basic products that will be sent to the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo, where thousands of families have lost everything.
"Fundraising for aid in the City of Havana to send to the affected areas in the East of the country... Share and if you can, help," reads the message circulating on social media.
Citizen initiative in the face of state void
The campaign reflects the solidarity of the population amid the crisis and stands in stark contrast to the official sluggishness and silence.
In a context of blackouts, shortages, and the collapse of basic services, citizens have chosen to self-manage humanitarian aid, navigating the restrictions imposed by state control over the distribution of donations.
Solidarity inside and outside the island
According to the promoters, other initiatives will be announced in the coming hours and days from abroad to channel material and financial support from the Cuban diaspora.
Dozens of users on social media —both in Cuba and abroad— have expressed a willingness to send supplies or raise funds for the most affected areas.
"Stay alert," insist the organizers, emphasizing that every small contribution can save lives amidst the humanitarian tragedy facing the eastern part of the country.
The hurricane Melissa has left a critical situation in the eastern part of the country, with power outages, damage to infrastructure, and isolated communities, which exacerbates the communication challenges and hinders the work of rescue and recovery teams in the hardest-hit areas.
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