MIAMI, United States. – The United Nations System (SNU) in Cuba estimated that at least 33.2 million dollars will be necessary to cover basic needs and support the long-term recovery process in the region affected by Hurricane Oscar on the Island.
The storm, which hit the eastern end of the largest of the Antilles with winds of more than 130 km/h and rains of up to 600 mm in some areas, especially affected the municipalities of Baracoa, Maisí, Imías and San Antonio del Sur, where left eight dead and two missingaccording to data from the Cuban authorities.
“The situation in Guantánamo is critical,” indicates the “Action Plan – United Nations System in Cuba: Response to Hurricane Oscar (October 2024)”. According to that report, almost 150,000 people suffered severe damage and around 14,300 homes were destroyed or seriously damaged.
The funds estimated by the SNU include resources to restore access to basic services such as drinking water and electricity. The hurricane damaged health centers and water and sanitation systems, leaving thousands of people without access to these essential services.
“Recovery efforts should focus on restoring health services, ensuring access to drinking water and providing adequate sanitation facilities to reduce health risks,” says the SNU.
On the other hand, the agricultural sector was one of the most affected, with devastating losses in coffee, cocoa and banana crops. These products, essential for the local economy and the livelihood of thousands of families, were practically destroyed. According to the report, more than 15,000 hectares of farmland were destroyed, raising the possibility of a food crisis in the region and the need for financing to rebuild this critical sector.
“The cost of recovering agricultural production is enormous, and the losses will prolong the food crisis in the region if action is not taken quickly,” warns the SNU.
In this context, the SNU in Cuba structured an action plan with the objective of raising the $33.2 million required to cover immediate needs and support a comprehensive recovery process over the next 18 months. This plan includes the provision of food, medical supplies, construction materials and support for the reactivation of health, water and sanitation services in the most affected municipalities.
“This intervention is essential to stabilize living conditions and restore dignity to the affected people,” states the SNU report.
