One month after Hurricane Melissa slammed eastern Cuba as a powerful Category 3 storm, the island's communities are still picking up the pieces. With thousands of homes damaged and vital roads washed out by flooding, residents have rallied together to push the recovery forward. 🛠️
Local volunteers, national crews and even neighbors from nearby provinces joined forces to clear debris, rebuild roofs and restore electricity in towns like Santiago de Cuba and Holguín. 'Every day we see progress,' says María, a homeowner in Gibara. 'Though the journey is tough, hope shines brighter than ever.' 🌟
Transportation arteries remain a challenge: many rural roads are still under repair, complicating the delivery of food and medical supplies. The Cuban government has deployed heavy machinery and engineering teams to bridge collapsed sections and reopen highways. 🚧
Power restoration is another uphill battle. While major urban centers have largely regained electricity, smaller villages report intermittent outages. Field crews work around the clock to fix downed power lines and replace transformers, often in tough weather conditions. ⚡
Nutrition and clean water are critical priorities. Mobile kitchens serve hot meals in temporary shelters, and aid organizations coordinate water purification units to ensure safe drinking water. This collective effort underscores the island spirit of solidaridad – unity in action. 🤝
Looking ahead, rebuilding Cuba's eastern cities will take months, if not years. International support and sustainable plans for resilient infrastructure are key to withstanding future storms. As Cuba rebuilds, its vibrant communities continue to show that even the strongest winds can't break their spirit. ✊🇨🇺
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
