Cuban comedian Andy Vázquez, widely recognized for his role as Facundo in the series 'Vivir del cuento,' has called upon the community to support those affected by Hurricane Oscar in eastern Cuba. "I'm reaching out to ask for help from anyone willing to support our brothers in eastern Cuba who have lost everything," the actor stated on Friday during a live broadcast on his social media. "If you're interested, contact me at 239-470-8181," he added.
Vázquez showcased a variety of relief packages assembled by Cubans in the United States, as well as those he personally prepared. "Let me show you some of the items that have been donated. Today, a family brought these clothes. We're accepting clothing, toys, nails, hammers, whatever you can spare... Here are the items I purchased yesterday at Walmart. I bought 100 pounds of beans, 270 candies, and other things... These are also leftover items from a previous donation for a woman whose house burned down," Vázquez elaborated in his broadcast.
He emphasized that contributions should be made in the form of goods rather than money. "No cash donations, just items you might not be using," he stressed. "There are families in Cuba who have lost absolutely everything and need our help. If you want to help, join us. If you want to criticize, step aside. This is purely to aid our brothers who have lost it all," Vázquez declared.
Collaborative Spirit and Community Generosity
In another Instagram video, Vázquez highlighted a donation from a Cuban woman in Miami who received community support after a fire destroyed her apartment and her belongings. Grateful for the outpouring of assistance, she decided to send clothes and utensils to her fellow Cubans using the surplus from the donations she received in the U.S.
"I can't express my gratitude enough to everyone. We're now settled in a small apartment with everything we need. We've come to deliver the extra items from the donations we received," the young woman shared from Andy's home.
Devastation and a Call for Preparedness
Severely impacted by Hurricane Oscar, Eastern Cuba remains under adverse weather conditions. Intense rains fell early Friday morning, particularly in Baracoa, causing severe flooding and significant damage. Residents in Baracoa are still without electricity, cooking fuel, potable water, and have limited information about their province and the country.
Alarmed and unprepared, many questioned if another hurricane was imminent, as Oscar struck unexpectedly, leaving them without time to stockpile food or seek shelter due to widespread power outages. Thousands were unable to evacuate in time, and the official death toll has risen to seven, including a mother, her daughter, and three elderly individuals.
Given the worsening situation, the Cuban regime announced on Friday that evacuations in Baracoa would begin, following "recent experiences" where several lives were lost due to flooding associated with Oscar. "The harsh lessons of recent days show we must remain vigilant. We urge the public to stay informed and alert," stated Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz on social media, noting that "authorities are taking steps to ensure the evacuation of residents."
As search and rescue efforts continue amid challenging weather conditions, social media reports suggest several families remain missing and the actual death toll may exceed the official figures provided by authorities.