Related videos:
In the Santiago town of El Cobre, the devastation left by Hurricane Melissa remains visible on every corner, and the sense of total disaster is widespread: residents claim that 90% of the town has been devastated.
Destroyed homes, blocked streets, and entire families without basic resources paint the current picture of a community that is now trying to rebuild with the help of donations and solidarity brigades.
“90% of El Cobre has been left with nothing,” said the residents to the Cuban television.
“The houses flew away, the roofs were lost, and many people lost everything,” they reported.
The passage of the cyclone, which struck the province of Santiago de Cuba with strong winds and torrential rains, left behind a trail of destruction that local authorities are still assessing.
According to preliminary reports, El Cobre and part of the municipality of Palma Soriano were the most affected areas.
In recent hours, several humanitarian aid shipments have arrived in the territory, containing food, mattresses, and construction materials.
International organizations, including UNICEF and the UN in Cuba, confirmed the delivery of medical supplies to hospitals in Holguín and Santiago to support emergency efforts.
The iconic Basilica de la Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, a spiritual symbol of Cuba, also suffered minor damage to its structure, although it remains standing.
Ecclesiastical authorities confirmed that mass and religious activities will resume once the cleaning of the venue is completed.
Filed under: