The aftermath of Hurricane Oscar has left a trail of destruction across several municipalities in Cuba's Guantánamo province. A local mother described the experience as a traumatic event etched in her memory. "I am grateful to those who reached out and others who supported my son with food. Despite the heartache and trauma of that day, we are a united people who always come together to help each other," expressed Daireli Ribero Matos in a Facebook group named "Revolico San Antonio del Sur."
Living in one of the hardest-hit areas, Daireli shared harrowing images of the remnants of her home on social media. She lamented, "It's heartbreaking what we have endured; some lost their lives, and others lost everything they owned." Official reports confirm seven fatalities in her municipality and one more in Imías.
Severe Flooding and Power Outages Compound the Crisis
Hurricane Oscar's wrath left entire communities submerged, with floodwaters reaching up to a meter high in certain regions. The storm inflicted both partial and total destruction on homes, displacing families and causing them to lose personal belongings and appliances, with rivers like Sabanalamar and Los Ciguatos overflowing rapidly.
The crisis was exacerbated by widespread power outages that plunged large swathes of Cuba into darkness for days. This blackout hindered communication, complicating evacuation efforts and preparations for the hurricane's arrival. Many families were left without access to weather updates, unable to charge mobile devices for emergency alerts or to contact loved ones.
Surviving Against the Odds
In a gripping account, a Cuban woman, Ramona, recounted her survival story during the floods in San Antonio del Sur. She clung to a window as the rising waters threatened to sweep her away. Ramona described how she held onto the upper window panels as the water level rose, illustrating the dire circumstances faced by those in the path of Hurricane Oscar.