Approximately 400 educational institutions in the province of Holguin are recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. One year after the storm passed through eastern Cuba.
Reynaldo Pupo Caballero, head of the investment group for the General Directorate of Education in the region. Informed the CNA (Cuban News Agency) that more than 500 schools were affected by the storm. Primarily in the municipalities of Holguin, Sagua de Tanamo, Urbano Noris, Banes, and Mayari.
The official noted that current restoration efforts address infrastructure damage. Such as leaks, the loss of roofing materials, and partial or total roof collapses.
He pointed out that the recovery of the school network is progressing with the support of organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Which has provided over 1,800 zinc roofing sheets and rolls of waterproofing membrane, resources that have benefited more than 70 facilities.
Completed projects include the repair of the roof at the “Sueño de Camilo” daycare center in Cacocum. As well as repairs to the René Guzmán primary school in Calixto García and the José de la Luz y Caballero special education school in Rafael Freyre.
To date, the official added, the municipalities of Rafael Freyre, Cacocum, and Frank País have completed the rehabilitation of all their educational centers. Also where the 2026–2027 school year is now proceeding as normal. Efforts are ongoing at institutions that sustained more complex damage, contingent upon available resources.
However, as some facilities remain unusable, the educational process is being reorganized in alternative locations with better conditions. Situated within or near the affected communities the official explained.
Sagua de Tanamo faces the most critical situation within the education sector following Hurricane Melissa. With the complete collapse of roofs at 10 schools located in hard-to-reach areas. Meanwhile, another roof collapse has been reported in Cacocum.
With information from CNA
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