The Cuban Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, General Álvaro López Miera, has promoted Anisley Laffita Sánchez to the rank of colonel. Laffita Sánchez, who leads the military sector in Imías, received this honor in recognition of her exceptional performance during the severe impact of Hurricane Óscar.
Announcing the promotion on its Facebook page, the military emphasized Laffita Sánchez's commendable actions, particularly during evacuation operations and other critical tasks related to the hurricane's aftermath. Originally scheduled for December, the promotion was expedited by the minister, who stated, "There is no better moment to promote her in her municipality given her dedication and outstanding results."
Local Leadership Praised for Crisis Response
On the platform X, Yoel Perez Garcia, the First Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee in Guantánamo, also highlighted the achievement. He praised Laffita Sánchez for demonstrating steadfastness, calm, and courage during the hurricane and throughout recovery efforts.
Heroic Evacuations Amidst Natural Disaster
Amidst the chaos, military personnel and medical teams executed daring helicopter rescues, saving critically ill patients, including children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable individuals from isolated regions in Guantánamo.
Meanwhile, tales of resilience emerged from the community. In the small town of Carrizal in Imías, several residents survived by climbing onto the sturdy roof of a house, where they endured the relentless rain throughout the night.
Grim Toll of the Storm
On Wednesday, the National Civil Defense Staff reported that the death toll had risen to eight, with two individuals still missing, following the hurricane's devastating assault on eastern Cuba.