Father Leandro NaunHung, who is actively involved in relief efforts in the rural and mountainous areas of Santiago de Cuba following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, shared the poignant account of an elderly woman. Her story starkly illustrates the suffering faced by countless Cubans amidst the ongoing crisis.
During his visit, the priest inquired about the woman's experiences with hardship.
"Have you ever endured such hardship? Not even during Batista's time?" he asked. The elderly woman, with a resigned expression, nodded silently, indicating that the current misery surpasses even the era of Fulgencio Batista's dictatorship.
She recounted how a nephew gave her some money, enabling her to buy a bit of food. However, she revealed the toll it has taken on her; she can barely lift her arms due to pain and scarcity.
Amid the remnants of her destroyed home, the woman pointed out the tree that had fallen on her house during the hurricane.
With no official assistance or government response, she expressed uncertainty about whether "they would rebuild it."
"Everything I can eat, I eat. I don't want clothes or anything, what I need is food," she said in a frail voice, highlighting the dire circumstances she faces.
The priest empathized, replying, "Exactly, why bother watching the news," referring to the regime's propaganda, which starkly contrasts with the harsh reality of those who have lost everything.
Father NaunHung informed her that he had brought some aid, as the Catholic Church and various religious organizations have been doing in recent days.
The scene, captured by NaunHung himself, is one of many testimonies from communities devastated in eastern Cuba. Weeks after Hurricane Melissa, state assistance remains absent, leaving the affected to rely on the solidarity of the Church and private individuals for survival.
Current Hardship in Cuba: Frequently Asked Questions
How does the current situation in Cuba compare to the Batista era?
Many Cubans, including the elderly woman from Santiago de Cuba, report that the current hardship and misery are worse than during the Batista era. The ongoing crisis and lack of government support have intensified their struggles.
What role is the Catholic Church playing in the relief efforts after Hurricane Melissa?
The Catholic Church, along with other religious organizations, is actively providing aid and support to communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, offering relief where government assistance has been lacking.