“I don't want anything else; all I want is food for the children.” With these words, a young mother from Cacocum municipality, located in Holguín province, expressed her desperation after losing everything when Hurricane Melissa ravaged eastern Cuba.
The woman's story was captured in a video shared on TikTok by activist Noly Blak, who has been documenting the plight of families affected by the hurricane in the region.
In the footage, the visibly exhausted and distraught woman responds to the activist's questions.
“What do you need, dear?” Noly Blak asks. “Food, that's what I need for my children,” the mother replies, as the video pans to show the four young children accompanying her.
She explains that her home in Peralta was completely destroyed.
“The house was reduced to rubble,” she laments, explaining that she lost mattresses and almost all her belongings in the floods.
Despite the extensive damage, she has not been evacuated, nor does it seem that she has received any government assistance.
“The flooding ruined everything in my little house. The mattresses and everything else were destroyed,” she recounts.
When asked what else she needs, she reiterates: “I don't want anything else; I just need food.”
Hurricane Melissa caused severe damage in the eastern part of the country, leaving thousands of homes damaged, roads impassable, and crops destroyed.
Holguín was one of the hardest-hit provinces, along with Granma, Las Tunas, and Santiago de Cuba.
While authorities focus on "recovery efforts," stories like this mother's reveal the harsh realities and neglect faced by many rural families still waiting for relief.
Understanding the Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa
What are the main needs of families affected by Hurricane Melissa?
The primary needs of families impacted by Hurricane Melissa include food, shelter, and basic necessities, as many have lost their homes and belongings.
Which areas were most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
The provinces of Holguín, Granma, Las Tunas, and Santiago de Cuba were among the most severely affected by Hurricane Melissa.
How has the government responded to the hurricane's impact?
While the government has focused on "recovery actions," many families, particularly in rural areas, report significant delays and a lack of assistance.