"Water is what I need!" This was the stark demand of a Cuban mother addressing leader Miguel Díaz-Canel during his visit to Guantanamo. Frustrated with the government's neglect, she raised her voice to highlight her desperation and expose the dire circumstances faced by her family and others. The region has been hit hard by severe flooding, resulting in a preliminary toll of seven deaths, including a five-year-old child.
A video shared on social media platform X captures the woman's exhaustion and her refusal to entertain the leader's explanations. She reveals having a bedridden sick person without food, asking, “What do I give them?” This question underscores the desperation and lack of resources to cope with the crisis.
Díaz-Canel's Promises Amidst Desperation
Díaz-Canel attempted to calm the situation by stating, "Water, food, milk, and teams clearing the way are coming." However, the woman interrupted him multiple times, expressing her frustration. He continued, "A series of measures have been taken to support the population," yet his words seemed rehearsed as he avoided direct eye contact, moving through the crowd with a heavy security presence.
Widespread Damage and Government Response
On Wednesday, Díaz-Canel arrived in San Antonio del Sur, a heavily impacted area by Hurricane Oscar. During his interactions, another local—a man responsible for 29 children at a special school—criticized the government for relocating them there and subsequently abandoning them. The Cuban government has reported preliminary damage to over a thousand homes across several municipalities in Guantanamo, the area hit hardest by Oscar.