The community of Jarahueca in Songo-La Maya has been left in ruins following the destructive passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Images shared by state-affiliated journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso on social media reveal the widespread devastation caused by the overflowing river that runs through the area. This natural disaster swept away 17 homes and resulted in the complete loss of personal belongings for many other families.
Alonso's photos depict a grim reality: houses either collapsed or severely damaged, streets flooded, and piles of debris where homes once stood. The bridge connecting Jarahueca to the rest of the municipality has also been destroyed, leaving the community isolated.
Jarahueca's plight is not unique. Across the eastern region of Cuba, similar scenes of destruction and neglect are evident in Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, Guantánamo, and Las Tunas. Thousands of families remain without electricity, with roads rendered impassable, and communities still submerged or covered in mud.
In towns like Río Cauto, El Cobre, Palma Soriano, and Moa, floods have demolished homes, wiped out crops, and left residents without access to food, medicine, or adequate shelter.
Testimonies circulating on social media paint a picture of desperation and neglect. Families who have lost everything are resorting to makeshift shelters made from tarps or roof remnants. Many report that government aid has been either delayed or insufficient.
Amidst this chaos, humanitarian support has primarily come from civil society, churches, community groups, and Cubans living abroad who have taken on the task of aiding the victims.
Hurricane Melissa has not only left behind a trail of physical destruction but has also highlighted once more the severe structural vulnerabilities and institutional neglect faced by Cuba's eastern provinces.
Key Questions on Hurricane Melissa's Impact
What areas in Cuba were most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
The eastern regions of Cuba including Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, Guantánamo, and Las Tunas were severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
How has the local community responded to the aftermath of the hurricane?
Local communities, with the help of civil society, churches, and Cuban expatriates, have stepped up to provide aid to those affected by the hurricane.
What structural issues did Hurricane Melissa expose in Cuba?
The hurricane exposed significant structural vulnerabilities and institutional neglect in the eastern provinces of Cuba.