A family from Guantanamo has been left utterly homeless following the devastation of Hurricane Oscar, which destroyed their house and all their belongings. The affected family resides in Yacabo Abajo, a small village in the Imías municipality. It consists of a young mother, her two children, and her husband, who are currently sleeping on the floor of a neighbor's home.
Filmmaker Daniel Ross Diéguez shared images on Facebook showing the remnants of what appears to have been a wooden house with a palm-thatched roof. "This used to be a home, and the collapse and flooding buried everything Yuraidis Rodríguez Hernández had," he stated.
Community Efforts to Support the Displaced
Ross Diéguez has initiated a donation drive to support the family, having already provided them with clothes, food, water, and medicine. "Any contribution helps. I urgently need to supply them with more food for several days. As I always say: All donations are made in person to the most remote areas. My CUP and MLC cards: MLC: 9235 9598 7084 1579 and CUP: 9205 9598 7734 6719," he detailed.
Last week, the filmmaker called for urgent assistance for several families in Yacabo Abajo who lost their homes due to Oscar's onslaught. Many individuals currently rely on the generosity of neighbors for shelter.
Challenges in Temporary Shelters
Although these temporary homes are filled with generosity, they come with limitations, as the displaced share basic resources in crowded conditions. They have received some donated clothing and food, but these are insufficient to meet all their needs.
Ross Diéguez, who has been actively aiding the communities most affected by the hurricane, is seeking collaboration to purchase food, drinking water, and medications. Those interested in helping can contact him directly via his mobile, +53 5238 5571, or through WhatsApp. He ensures that every donation reaches the victims by delivering them personally to the most affected areas.
The Aftermath of Hurricane Oscar
Hurricane Oscar made landfall in the province of Guantanamo on October 20, 2024, causing severe flooding and river overflows that particularly impacted the municipalities of San Antonio del Sur, Imías, and Baracoa. In less than 24 hours, rainfall exceeded 500 millimeters in various regions, isolating communities and destroying many homes.
The Cuban government's emergency management faced criticism for its slow response and lack of efficient communication systems, further exacerbated by a massive blackout that affected the entire island. At least seven people died due to landslides and drownings, and some areas remained cut off for days, complicating rescue and assistance efforts.