Cubans try to save their belongings through tears during Hurricane Melissa: "What a great pain."

Hurricane Melissa caused severe flooding in Velasco, Holguín, leaving houses underwater and damaging property. Residents report a lack of alerts and government support following the disaster.

Hurricane Melissa in CubaPhoto © @shaly_1604 / TikTok

The intense rains and winds of Hurricane Melissa caused severe flooding in the town of Velasco, Holguín, leaving many homes underwater and families in despair trying to salvage what little they had left.

In a video shared on TikTok by user @shaly_1604, one can see how water nearly covers the entire interior of a home, while furniture floats and mud takes over everything. "What a great pain," laments a voice amid sobs, reflecting the helplessness of those who have lost their belongings after the passage of the weather phenomenon.

The images show the water level rising to more than half a meter inside the houses, with chairs, beds, and appliances damaged. Neighbors report that within minutes the water rose rapidly, leaving no time to secure valuable belongings.

On the streets, the scene is equally devastating: flooded homes, impassable roads, and families trying to evacuate to higher ground. Many say they did not receive warnings or immediate support from local authorities, despite weather forecasts predicting heavy rains for the eastern region.

Hurricane Melissa, which struck eastern Cuba in recent hours, has caused severe damage to infrastructure, crops, and homes, particularly in Holguín, Granma, and Las Tunas.

Meanwhile, those affected in Velasco are begging for help: "We have nothing left, everything is underwater," said one of the victims in statements to local media.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.