Thousands of Cubans are facing shortages of electricity and water after Hurricane Melissa

• Thousands of Cubans remain without electricity and water after Hurricane Melissa.
• In places like Rio Cauto, people are living in temporary shelters.
• Problems with water supply and electricity remain critical.

Rio Cauto, Cuba — Thousands of Cubans are still without electricity, water, and adequate housing almost a month after Hurricane Melissa struck the northern part of the island, becoming one of the strongest storms in Atlantic history.

Throughout the day, families are rushing to the nearest river to fill plastic containers with water, while at night they tightly sleep under temporary coverings and tents.

80-year-old Lucia Garcia said: "We lost everything in the flood. I am very depressed and very sad here." She lives in a small house with her two sons, aged 45 and 55, and her 81-year-old husband, who remains bedridden.

The school where they are staying in the town of Rio Cauto serves as a shelter for 14 families and provides them with daily food. Delivery trucks for water arrive every three or four days.

Many residents of this area, who lived near the river, lost their homes after Melissa passed through northern Cuba, forcing neighboring dams to release vast amounts of water.

According to a report dated October 10, more than 2,300 people were evacuated from the Rio Cauto area, of which over 750 remained in private homes. The authorities assert that the return of residents to their homes is "complete."

Significant flooding also occurred in the neighboring town of Los-Mangui, where residents reported about massive floods that occurred the day after the hurricane struck.

People are living in tents provided by the Indian government, but the biggest problem remains the supply of drinking water.

Residents in the town of Guama are still facing the aftermath of the hurricane, where prolonged power outages complicate the situation. The authorities warned that the restoration of electricity supply may take until mid-December.

While distributing food, mattresses, and other items, many needs remain unmet due to strained relations between Cuba and the USA.

Currently, no deaths related to the hurricane have been confirmed, although the government evacuated over 700,000 people from the affected areas.

According to the UN data, nearly 53,000 people cannot return home, of which 7,500 live in official shelters.

The hurricane also caused damage in Jamaica, where at least 45 deaths have been confirmed.

Tags: Weather