Cuban Government Faces Criticism Amid Hurricane Melissa Recovery Efforts

Miguel Diaz-Canel, the President of Cuba, recently faced backlash during his visit to areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Eastern Cuba. A viral video shows Diaz-Canel losing his temper when a woman affected by the hurricane confronted him about the lack of assistance.

The woman stated, 'We have no bed,' to which Diaz-Canel responded, 'And I don't have one to give you right now!' This exchange has sparked widespread outrage on social media, emphasizing the government's inadequate response to the devastation caused by the hurricane.

Reports indicate that over 70,000 homes were affected by Hurricane Melissa, with at least 76,789 households suffering damages. More than 4,700 homes were completely destroyed and over 12,000 lost their roofs.

Additionally, more than 47,000 homes experienced partial damage, exacerbating an already dire housing situation in a region plagued by neglect and decay. The hurricane also devastated agricultural areas, destroying hundreds of thousands of hectares of crops, including crucial food supplies and coffee plantations, which will significantly impact food security in the coming months.

The electrical infrastructure suffered severe damage as well, with over a thousand utility poles down and nearly 280 transformers damaged, leaving many communities without power for days. Critics argue that the devastation is not only a result of the hurricane but also reflects decades of poor governance, lack of maintenance, and corruption that have made eastern Cuba particularly vulnerable.

Despite Diaz-Canel's insistence on the state's organization and resilience in response to the disaster, the reality on the ground reveals families without roofs, flooded neighborhoods, and inadequate state support.

Sources indicate that local communities are primarily relying on solidarity among neighbors and support from family members abroad rather than assistance from the government. The situation underscores the challenges the Cuban government faces in managing disaster recovery amid ongoing public dissatisfaction and highlights the urgent need for effective governance during crises.