It’s been one month since Hurricane Melissa, a Category 3 storm, swept through eastern Cuba on October 28, 2025, leaving a trail of damage to homes, roads and vital infrastructure. Local communities, authorities and volunteers have joined forces to tackle the massive rebuilding effort.
In towns like Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo, crews are clearing debris, repairing power lines and restoring water supplies. Municipal officials say that while electricity and water services have largely returned, rebuilding roads and bridges remains a major undertaking.
Innovative approaches are playing a key role. Drones equipped with mapping tools help engineers assess damage faster, while local workshops experiment with 3D-printed materials to rebuild housing more sustainably. Support from international NGOs and remittances from the Cuban diaspora have provided crucial funding and supplies, demonstrating the power of global solidarity.
Despite the scale of the challenge, community spirit remains strong. Local carpenter Marisol Hernández says, “We may have lost roofs, but we haven’t lost hope. Together, we’ll rebuild stronger.” As Cuba moves deeper into winter, the journey to full recovery will take time, but resilience and cooperation are driving progress.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
