The wrath of Hurricane Oscar left a devastating mark on Villa Imías campground in the province of Guantánamo over Sunday and Monday. Dramatic images shared on Facebook by state journalist Miguel Reyes reveal the stark transformation of this site, which was once surrounded by masonry cabins and lush vegetation.
Before the Storm: A Picturesque Haven
In the images taken prior to the hurricane's arrival, the cabins stood in good condition, with their pastel-painted structures neatly arranged in rows on solid ground. The surrounding natural environment was rich with greenery.
Aftermath: A Scene of Destruction
Post-hurricane, the same cabins appear severely damaged, partially submerged in water, and some are leaning or collapsed. The surrounding vegetation has been significantly impacted, and it is evident that the hurricane's force has caused erosion and shifted the structures toward the water.
"Terribly unfortunate! The hardest part must have been for those who experienced this unexpected event without any communication. So many lives and damages could have been avoided if those with communication had taken action. Not even Hurricane Flora caused such havoc, not because of the storm itself, but due to the measures taken," commented one person on the post.
"Incredible, for those of us who have been there, so many summer stays, the theater crusade camps for over 30 years, and the Valentine's Day celebrations. It will never be the same again; everything has been destroyed," lamented another individual.
Tragic Impact and Government Criticism
The path of Hurricane Oscar through Guantánamo resulted in a tragic toll, sparking critiques over inadequate preparation and information. Striking as a Category 1 storm on October 20, 2024, it claimed the lives of six people in San Antonio del Sur and one in Imías, according to government sources. Among the victims were a five-year-old child and several elderly individuals.
Moreover, severe flooding and structural damage left many families isolated and without access to essential services. The Cuban government's response has been criticized for its lack of timely information, exacerbated by the ongoing blackouts that have plagued the country even before the hurricane.
During his visit to Guantánamo, leader Miguel Díaz-Canel faced backlash from residents who voiced feelings of abandonment during the crisis.
Challenges in Recovery Efforts
The recovery efforts in the storm-ravaged areas will be challenging, as the hurricane struck amid an existing economic and energy crisis. Emergency brigades and the armed forces have been deployed to aid in rescue and rebuilding efforts, but the situation remains dire in several parts of one of the island's poorest provinces.