The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) issued a warning on Wednesday regarding the ongoing severe water crisis in Santiago de Cuba province. Out of 164 supply systems, 50 remain non-operational following the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
Through its official account on the social platform X, UNICEF Cuba reported that a team led by Deputy Representative Sunny Guidotti, in collaboration with ECHO Latin America and the Canadian Embassy in Cuba, is currently in the eastern province. Their mission is to oversee recovery efforts and provide assistance to the communities most devastated by the cyclone.
"Access to water remains challenging: 50 out of 164 supply systems are yet to be restored. In El Cristo 1, which serves 85,000 residents, the community relies on water trucks," the organization noted, highlighting one of the hardest-hit areas due to the lack of service.
During their visit, UNICEF representatives also visited a shelter for evacuated families. Here, 26 children and adolescents remain unable to return to their homes due to the regime's slow progress in restoring damaged housing caused by the cyclone.
At this center, they identified key necessities in health, hygiene, education, and emotional support, as detailed by the agency in their report.
The UN agency provided recreational materials, the magazine Zunzún, and educational videos for displaced children. They announced plans to continue their efforts in Guamá, one of the most isolated and affected municipalities, which has experienced some relief thanks to UNICEF's efforts, contrary to the regime's contributions.
Despite claims by Cuban authorities of a "progressive recovery" of services, the situation in Santiago de Cuba remains dire. Many communities have been relying on sporadic water truck deliveries for weeks, lacking running water and adequate conditions for basic hygiene.
The water crisis exacerbates the severe material and humanitarian damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which struck eastern Cuba in late October, affecting infrastructure, crops, and homes.
UNICEF continues its active cooperation in Cuba, focusing on ensuring safe water access, child welfare, and the restoration of essential services in the hardest-hit provinces.
In the context of the significant devastation left by Hurricane Melissa in the province of Granma, UNICEF Cuba's intervention has been crucial for thousands of families who were left without access to drinking water weeks after the hurricane's passage.
According to the agency's website, in technical coordination with the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH), three portable water purification plants were deployed. These facilities are capable of producing safe water for over 21,000 people daily and were placed in the municipalities of Río Cauto and Cauto Cristo, two of the areas most severely affected by flooding and local network collapse.
FAQs About the Water Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
What is the current state of water supply systems in Santiago de Cuba?
As of the latest reports, 50 out of 164 water supply systems in Santiago de Cuba are still not operational following the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
Who is involved in the recovery efforts in Santiago de Cuba?
The recovery efforts in Santiago de Cuba involve UNICEF, ECHO Latin America, and the Canadian Embassy in Cuba, with a team led by UNICEF's Deputy Representative Sunny Guidotti.
How is UNICEF supporting affected communities in Cuba?
UNICEF is supporting affected communities by providing recreational materials, educational resources, and deploying portable water purification plants in collaboration with local authorities.