Following the earthquakes on November 10, which caused severe damage to the school infrastructure in Pilón, Granma province, approximately 350 children have been relocated to attend a makeshift school. This temporary facility, established on a military base with the assistance of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), has been set up to ensure educational activities continue.
Journalist Jorge Luis Ríos Frías shared on Facebook that the newly named "Friends of the FAR" center is accommodating students from the Augusto César Sandino semi-boarding school, one of the most severely damaged schools. Ríos emphasized that these tent classrooms are equipped to maintain the quality of the educational process, underscoring that continuing education is a top priority for the municipal education sector.
"Through this initiative, the FAR, in clear cooperation, reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development and well-being of the Cuban people," the regime's spokesperson, Ríos, stated. Meanwhile, the families of these children are eager for the repairs on the damaged school buildings to proceed swiftly, allowing students to return to a more stable and appropriate learning environment.
Community Faces Ongoing Challenges
Since November 10, when a precursor earthquake of magnitude 6.0 and a main shock of 6.7 struck the region, particularly affecting Pilón in Granma, residents have been living through days filled with uncertainty and fear. This past Thursday, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded, which, although thankfully did not result in material damage or loss of life, was felt throughout the Granma province, especially in Pilón, located just 19 kilometers from the epicenter.
One week after these powerful earthquakes rocked eastern Cuba, the people of Pilón are still grappling with a harsh reality: they continue to live in tents while dealing with uncertainty, fear, and a lack of basic resources. The government's provision of tents for displaced families has been met with criticism for its limited scope and the lack of attention to other equally affected communities.
As of now, the earthquakes have resulted in ten injuries and damage to at least 3,752 buildings, according to official government figures.