Two young men, Henry and Freidi, have been recognized for their heroic efforts in rescuing residents during the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Oscar in the municipality of San Antonio del Sur, located in Guantanamo. Their courageous actions were highlighted by local visual artist Daniel Ross Diéguez, who expressed deep admiration for their ongoing assistance in the recovery efforts of their ravaged community.
According to Ross Diéguez, Henry and Freidi's neighborhood faced another evacuation scare due to a false alarm about the potential breach of the San Antonio del Sur dam. Despite the panic, the pair stayed in an upstairs apartment of one of the few concrete homes in their town, ready to assist those in need. Fortunately, the alarm proved to be unfounded.
Ross Diéguez recounted how Henry had sent his wife and young daughter to the distant town of Acueducto for safety, and although they have remained in touch, they have yet to reunite. Henry was found cleaning mud off a motorcycle and improvising an electrical repair, typical of resourceful Cubans, to retrieve his family. The artist has been actively supporting and showing solidarity with the town's residents.
The Power of Friendship and Resilience
The artist shared that Henry and Freidi are waiting for the waters to recede so they can retrieve a Lada car buried in the mud in the El Fanguito neighborhood, where houses remain submerged up to the roof. Their friendship extends beyond camaraderie in adversity, as they share a love for soccer, despite cheering for rival teams: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Yet, they set aside their rivalry to work together, removing mud with the stench of decaying animals.
When it comes to sustenance, the young men have relied solely on the provisions Ross Diéguez has provided, which will only last two days. "It pains me that no one else has brought them food, hygiene products, or medicine," he lamented. A local church gave some food, but no direct assistance has reached them.
Urgent Needs Amidst Adversity
The community's needs are dire, with shortages of medication and even cigarettes, which, according to Ross Diéguez, are preferable to the stench of mud and rotting flesh. He has distributed his business cards to encourage any potential aid donations, having already supported 27 homes and 103 families living in overcrowded conditions.
The actions of Henry, Freidi, and other local youths highlight the valiant efforts made to assist their neighbors, particularly the elderly, who might not have survived without such intervention. Previous accounts from Ross Diéguez indicate that search efforts have extended to the southern coast of the province, with helicopters searching for those swept away by the floodwaters.