Speaking to the press, the President highlighted the broad participation of the people, led by young people, students and the armed forces, as a sign of national unity in the face of adversity, contrary to the image of discouragement being spread by some international media, he said.

He also expressed his gratitude for the support expressed to the island by several nations, including Russia and Venezuela, as well as organisations of the United Nations system and the European Union, which have provided resources to help those affected and to face the national electricity emergency.

The Head of State also reported that in recent days he had met with ambassadors and representatives of countries which expressed their governments’ willingness to send necessary aid to Cuba.

On Saturday afternoon, Díaz-Canel toured five municipalities in the capital where the damage of Hurricane Rafael, which hit western Cuba on November 5 as a category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, are still visible.

Cuban television news footage shows numerous fallen trees and damage to electrical infrastructure in La Lisa, Marianao, Arroyo Naranjo, Boyeros and Plaza de la Revolución, preventing the full restoration of services.

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