Related videos:
Lis Cuesta, the wife of ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel, reappeared this Thursday in Santiago de Cuba, where she visited a school and met with residents affected by the cyclone that devastated several eastern provinces over a month ago.
Criticism on social media questions Lis's late appearance, as she had not visited the affected areas since the disaster.
On her social media, the "not first lady" has made it clear that she participates in these official visits as an official, "from Education and Culture," to oversee the recovery following Melissa.
The Presidency of Cuba shared images from the visit and quoted Díaz-Canel expressing that it was “a delight to be here,” noting a “hopeful atmosphere,” and promising to return to visit the children at the educational center.
In Cayo Granma, one of the hardest-hit areas, the regime itself acknowledged that out of 256 surveyed homes, 170 were affected, including 15 total collapses and 20 partial ones.
A total of 31 roofs were reported as completely destroyed and 84 partially damaged. Although authorities claim to have distributed "150 mattresses," the reality is that they are being sold to the population, despite communities suffering from shortages, unsanitary conditions, and neglect.
Electricity has not yet been restored in some areas of Santiago and nearby municipalities. The supply of drinking water remains interrupted. Many households rely on firewood for cooking and depend on makeshift cisterns to survive.
The humanitarian emergency is exacerbated by an epidemic of chikungunya, which primarily affects children and the elderly, worsened by the accumulation of garbage and stagnant water in areas where the healthcare system collapsed following the cyclone.
Meanwhile, Díaz-Canel and Lis Cuesta continue their propaganda tour in the east, repeating messages of "resistance" and "victory" at public events, without providing concrete solutions for the thousands of families who remain without shelter or assistance.
The Cuban leader assured that "resources will continue to arrive" and urged "not to be afraid," even as despair grows among those affected who hear him repeat unfulfilled promises from weeks ago.
Lis took advantage of her visit to Santiago to reach the grave of the dictator Fidel Castro and take a photo paying tribute. She shared the image on her profile on X with the following text: "FIDEL, when the road becomes uphill, I return to you. Your mark continues to guide our path. Homeland or Death. We will overcome!"
The cyclone struck eastern Cuba a month ago, leaving a devastating tally of destroyed homes, agricultural losses, and a collapsed electrical system. Despite official rhetoric, recovery is progressing slowly as the regime prioritizes political control and propaganda over assistance for the victims.
Filed under: