The municipality of Maisí in Guantánamo has been severely impacted following the arrival of Hurricane Oscar, which made landfall in Cuba on Sunday afternoon before weakening to a tropical storm. Roeldis Román Tomasén, head of the local Defense Council, informed Cuban Television that a total of 8,904 residents were evacuated. Notably, 8,679 of these individuals chose to find refuge with relatives, friends, and neighbors. Despite this, Tomasén noted that seven evacuation centers were ready to accommodate those in need.
Impact on Housing and Agriculture
Maisí experienced wind gusts reaching 101 km/h, and the housing sector has suffered significant damage. Tomasén described these damages as "extensive." The economic sectors most affected include coffee production and banana plantations, which are crucial to the local economy.
Broader Regional Effects
The Cuban government has reported preliminary figures indicating over a thousand homes have sustained damage across various municipalities in the province of Guantánamo. According to statements from the Cuban Presidency on social media, Baracoa, Imías, and Maisí are among the hardest hit, with significant flooding reported. Media outlets in Guantánamo have shared images that vividly illustrate the storm's impact on residential infrastructure.
Lack of Preparedness Amid Power Outages
Prior to the storm's arrival, there were already concerns about the potential severity of the consequences, owing to the lack of information and preparation among local residents. This was exacerbated by a widespread blackout that has affected Cuba since midday last Friday, leaving the population in a precarious situation with no clear short-term resolution.