In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, authorities have apprehended at least 17 individuals suspected of burglarizing homes and farms belonging to families evacuated due to severe flooding in Río Cauto, located in Granma province.
During an inspection of affected areas by leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, officials disclosed the incidents, which occurred as residents were forced to abandon their properties due to the rising waters of Cuba's largest river, the Cauto.
Residents shared with Díaz-Canel that their homes and agricultural lands were looted while they were evacuated, exacerbating the material losses already inflicted by the floods.
The issue was brought to light during Díaz-Canel's visit to Guamo Viejo, where the river's overflow flooded 980 homes, impacting nearly all of the 3,500 residents.
In El Mango, another severely affected community, reports indicated that floodwaters engulfed everything, causing widespread damage to all 385 houses and local institutions.
In response, Díaz-Canel and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz called for stringent measures against those committing crimes amid the calamity.
During discussions with locals, Díaz-Canel assured that law enforcement would persist in pursuing those responsible for the thefts, urging citizens to continue recovery efforts, acknowledging that much work remains to be done in Granma province.
In El Mango, situated in a coastal plain, residents recounted being evacuated by amphibious vehicles from the Ministry of the Interior and helicopters from Holguín when the area became completely submerged.
They confirmed that there were no casualties, but the damage to homes and local infrastructure was extensive.
Residents noted that after days without basic supplies, potable water is now being provided, and emergency aid, including mattresses, is being distributed.
Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of ensuring a "fair" distribution of incoming resources, particularly mattresses, which residents identified as an immediate necessity since many were rendered unusable after being submerged.
Local authorities confirmed the allocation of one mattress per household and announced that additional supplies are on the way to meet the community's needs.
Residents highlighted that all homes were inundated and, despite the commencement of recovery efforts, the situation remains dire.
Amidst this devastation, the thefts add another layer of vulnerability to communities that have already lost nearly everything.
With 17 suspects detained and under investigation, officials have vowed to "act decisively against those responsible," as residents strive to rebuild their lives.
FAQs on Hurricane Melissa Aftermath in Granma
What areas were most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
Guamo Viejo and El Mango in Río Cauto, Granma province, were among the most impacted areas, with significant flooding affecting homes and infrastructure.
What measures are being taken to assist affected residents?
Emergency aid, including potable water and mattresses, is being distributed, and efforts are underway to ensure fair distribution of resources to those in need.
How are authorities responding to the looting incidents?
Authorities have detained 17 suspects for investigation and are committed to taking strict actions against those involved in the thefts.