Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Granma, remarked that the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa offers a chance to prove that the Cuban Revolution remains vibrant. Her comments came during a National Defense Council meeting broadcast on the "Desde la Presidencia" program this Thursday.
With a triumphalist tone, Ortiz emphasized that the destruction left by Hurricane Melissa, which hit eastern Cuba on October 29, will serve to highlight the "legacy of Fidel" and demonstrate that "the Revolution leaves none of its children behind."
Ortiz described the disaster as an "uplifting moment" and an "opportunity to do more for the people," a statement that attempts to downplay the severity of the damage in one of Cuba's most impoverished provinces.
While Ortiz insists "the Revolution is alive," the dire reality behind the rhetoric is undeniable. She acknowledged that only 64% of the electrical service in Granma has been restored, with 50 primary circuits still without power.
Furthermore, over 5,000 individuals remain in state shelters, and agricultural losses have reached 47,833 hectares of ruined crops, including key staples like coffee, rice, tobacco, and vegetables.
Ortiz highlighted Río Cauto as the "epicenter of the greatest complications," with communities still submerged ten days after the cyclone. The Defense Council keeps Río Cauto and Cauto Cristo on alert due to high water levels and lack of basic services.
Despite stating that the province is "working tirelessly" with crews and committees to aid those affected, Ortiz admitted that only 79% of landline phone services have been restored, and the recovery is "gradual."
In education, Ortiz framed the partial reopening of 200 schools as a recovery sign, even as most eastern Cuban municipalities struggle with power outages, lack of potable water and transportation, alongside a crippling health crisis.
She stressed that "the Revolution abandons none of its children because we are here and support them," yet omitted mentioning critical issues like construction material shortages, slow humanitarian aid distribution, and the state's incapacity to handle recurring emergencies.
During the "Desde la Presidencia" broadcast, the Minister of Economy and Planning, Joaquín Alonso Vázquez, stated there were no casualties or injuries from the hurricane, despite Melissa being one of the most devastating cyclones to hit Cuba. He credited the "decisive and meritorious action" of government bodies for protecting lives in affected areas, even when evacuations occurred post-impact.
These official statements starkly contrast with the destruction left by Melissa throughout eastern Cuba. Reports from the United Nations and humanitarian organizations depict severe damage to over 60,000 homes, 1,500 schools, and hundreds of medical facilities, with millions suffering from crop loss, service disruptions, and communication breakdowns.
Similarly, President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared no fatalities from Hurricane Melissa in Cuba, despite reports of significant material damage and accounts of two deaths in Santiago de Cuba.
Hurricane Melissa's Impact and Government Response
What was the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa caused significant devastation in eastern Cuba, affecting over 60,000 homes, 1,500 schools, and numerous medical centers. It also resulted in widespread agricultural losses and disrupted essential services.
How did the Cuban government respond to the hurricane's aftermath?
The Cuban government claimed to have taken "decisive and meritorious" actions to protect lives, though much of the recovery is slow. They have been working to restore power, telecommunication, and support the displaced, but challenges remain.
Are there any reported casualties from Hurricane Melissa in Cuba?
Official reports from the Cuban government claim there were no casualties. However, there are reports of significant material damage and testimonies of two deaths in Santiago de Cuba.