Díaz-Canel Assesses Recovery Efforts in Santiago and Granma Provinces

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel conducted a tour of the Santiago de Cuba and Granma provinces on November 21. The visit aimed to assess recovery efforts following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Sources from the Presidency provided details regarding the significant impact of the hurricane.

Díaz-Canel’s Assessment in Santiago de Cuba

During his visit to Baconao in Santiago de Cuba, Díaz-Canel evaluated the low-water crossing connecting María del Pilar and 13 de Agosto. The site suffered extensive damage due to flooding from the Baconao River.

• Over 310 millimeters of rain accumulated in just three days.
• Flooding obstructed 18 out of the crossing’s 24 culverts.

Community leader Luis Arias voiced concerns about the frequent river floods threatening local settlements. The President directed authorities to explore long-term solutions, including a review of the Baconao dam project.

Damage Reports and Recovery Statistics

Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, president of the Provincial Defense Council, shared troubling statistics regarding the damage in Santiago de Cuba:

• 110,764 homes reported damages.
• 3,324 homes completely collapsed.
• 2,950 homes partially collapsed.
• 66.7% of electrical service has been restored.
• 66.6% of the water supply has resumed.

Additionally, approximately 40,353 hectares of crops are impacted, with only 7,473 hectares rehabilitated. The sanitation situation stands at 89%, but health experts classify the epidemiological scenario as complex due to challenges from arboviruses like dengue and chikungunya.

Recovery Efforts in Granma Province

In Granma, Díaz-Canel met with residents in Yara and Las Caobas, areas severely affected by the hurricane. Here are key points regarding the damage and recovery efforts:

• 723 hectares of rice crops were severely affected.
• Loss of 240 head of cattle reported.
• Electrical service restoration reached 96.43%.
• Telecommunications service was restored by 99%.
• Water supply remains a significant challenge.

Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló, first secretary of the Provincial Committee of the Party, emphasized ongoing recovery initiatives. Carlos Luis Jorge Méndez, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, noted that international aid continues to flow, and efforts are underway to bolster the nation’s industrial capabilities.

Support for Affected Families

Betsy Díaz Velázquez, the Minister of Domestic Trade, outlined provisions for affected families. The regulated family basket now includes essential goods:

• Rice
• Grains
• Oil
• Sugar
• Chicken
• Various food and hygiene modules

Díaz-Canel commended the population’s resolute spirit during the evacuation, which played a crucial role in avoiding loss of life. He urged the community to maintain this collective effort as they move forward with the recovery process. He acknowledged, however, that some solutions will require time to implement fully.