Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel visited several hurricane-impacted areas in Havana this past Saturday in an attempt to oversee recovery efforts following Hurricane Rafael's damage to infrastructure and essential services. The official account of the Cuban Presidency on social media closely followed his visits to various locations, including his stop at the Eduardo García Delgado high school, where workers, students, and residents have been compelled to assist in the cleanup and restoration endeavors.
Although the school itself remained structurally intact, the surrounding community has been significantly affected by fallen trees. In response, Díaz-Canel urged for a swift removal of debris and encouraged both residents and workplaces to actively engage in the cleanup operations.
One of the hardest-hit areas, the San Agustín neighborhood in the municipality of La Lisa, is struggling with electricity outages, leaving numerous families without power for more than 72 hours. During his tour of districts such as Marianao, Playa, and Plaza de la Revolución, Díaz-Canel conversed with workers and residents who are forced to make do with limited resources to restore electrical lines and clear the streets.
In his statements, Díaz-Canel reiterated the mantra that "Cuba is standing strong" and assured, "We will get through this as we have overcome past challenges," highlighting a sense of unity and an apparent commitment from the youth and the Revolutionary Armed Forces to the revolution.
Recently, Díaz-Canel has made rounds throughout various provinces in Cuba hit by Hurricane Rafael, which caused extensive damage to infrastructure, particularly affecting the electrical supply and the condition of roads and green spaces. His visits, widely documented on social media and state-run media outlets, have underscored a message of "unity and resilience" as he tours the affected regions alongside groups of citizens and local representatives.
During a recent visit to Artemisa, Díaz-Canel asserted that "no one will be left behind" and pledged support for the families most impacted. Nevertheless, many citizens remain skeptical of these promises, given past experiences where accessing government resources and aid effectively after weather events has proven challenging.
The leader also dismissed claims of a collapse in Cuba as a "campaign," insisting that the situation is being managed and that the country will persevere thanks to the "resilience of the Cuban people."