With the memories of the devastation and loss from Hurricane Oscar in Guantánamo still vivid, and as Tropical Storm Rafael approaches Cuba with the potential to become a cyclone, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel declared on Tuesday that the nation is "prepared and organized" to confront this looming threat. This assertion starkly contrasts with the government's recent shortcomings in crisis management.
During a meeting to evaluate the mitigation steps for Hurricane Rafael, Díaz-Canel, through the official Cuban presidency account on the social media platform X, asserted that the plans to address the cyclone have been meticulously crafted in advance, emphasizing Cuba's "experience" in handling natural disasters.
The leader highlighted that the main objective is to reduce damage and then proceed with recovery efforts, a process that has previously faced criticism for its ineffective response in the most impacted and vulnerable areas. Nonetheless, during the meeting, Díaz-Canel acknowledged that recovery efforts post-Rafael would be conducted "regardless of the complex situation we are experiencing in the country," suggesting that repairing the damage might take longer than usual.
Ensuring Public Safety Amid Challenges
Díaz-Canel stressed the importance of implementing all necessary measures to safeguard the population and preserve their material possessions. This includes preparing evacuation centers and ensuring the readiness of power generators in critical locations. He also emphasized the need for direct communication within communities due to the ongoing blackouts affecting Cubans, pointing out that face-to-face interactions are crucial to effectively disseminate information, avoiding past mistakes made during Hurricane Oscar in Guantánamo.
The president instructed a swift distribution of fuel, an assessment of resources, and the preparation of teams ready to restore essential services like electricity, communications, and water, while recovery efforts in Guantánamo continue. He also highlighted the urgency of advancing harvests, implementing protective measures in coastal areas, and securing lightweight structures to minimize damage, with special focus on vulnerable families.
Public Dissent and Criticism
Díaz-Canel's statements are met with skepticism by the Cuban populace, who have taken to social media to criticize the regime's sluggish response to Rafael's impending approach in the island's western region. Moisés Leandro expressed on X that despite official instructions to collect water for the cyclone, the supply in the highlands of Cabañas, Mariel, has been absent for over 20 days. "A sack of coal costs 1200 pesos and a water truck 3000; it's all image and lies to deceive foreigners and fools," he remarked, condemning the administration's handling of the situation.
Similarly, Frank Pérez commented on X: "Yes, prepared, like in Baracoa, where people were left helpless and uninformed." Additionally, Will González noted on X: "Oh sure, leaving thousands without roofs, failing to recover most of what they've lost, and still in shelters."