On Thursday, the local newspaper Venceremos reported an "air operation to deliver food to Imías," as this Guantánamo municipality remains isolated by land following the severe damage caused by Hurricane Oscar. Journalist Miguel Reyes noted that efforts are underway to establish access to the area and provide food and medical supplies to the residents.
Reyes Mendoza detailed that the supplies being airdropped include pasta, four cans of sardines, one kilogram of rice, grains, other essential resources, and potable water for the community's consumption. The Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) shared images on social media of what they described as an "air operation to deliver food to Imías."
Private Efforts and Official Response
"Our fighters and combined forces from various ministries are tirelessly working to assist the affected population," they stated. Meanwhile, private initiatives to aid the area are also in motion. Activist Yamilka Latifa (Lara Crofs) announced the arrival of a container from abroad containing "food, medical supplies, medicines, diapers, hospital beds, mattresses, and much more."
Lara Crofs also provided two addresses in Havana where donations can be dropped off, along with details for two accounts for monetary donations in MN and MLC.
The Critical Situation in Guantánamo
The situation in Guantánamo remains dire. The Cuban government has preliminarily reported over a thousand homes damaged across several municipalities in the province. President Miguel Díaz-Canel visited San Antonio del Sur on Wednesday, where he faced direct complaints and demands from residents.
Currently, there is a preliminary death toll of seven in Guantánamo, including a five-year-old girl. However, there are reports of missing persons that the government has not acknowledged, leading many Cubans to believe the actual death count is higher. Despite a massive power outage since last Friday that plunged the country into darkness and hindered communication about the storm's arrival, the Cuban government claims evacuations were carried out.
Overall, more than 15,000 people have been evacuated: 9,000 from Imías and 6,000 from San Antonio del Sur, as reported by the Granma newspaper on Monday. Nevertheless, images from both San Antonio del Sur and Imías reveal the devastation: flooded homes, lost food supplies, and families struggling to salvage what little remains. Recovery efforts are underway, but the challenge is immense in a nation grappling with a severe economic crisis on all fronts.