(ANS – Santiago) – The Salesian Mary Help of Christians work, located in Santiago de Cuba, is among the hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa, which has caused very serious material damage and a profound humanitarian crisis in the eastern part of the country. In spite of the seriousness of the emergency, the Salesian community – comprising Fr Miguel Ángel Fernández, Fr Eduardo Marroquín and Salesian Brother José Luis Orozco – remains at the service of the hardest hit families, offering spiritual accompaniment and humanitarian aid even in the midst of adversity.

The hurricane caused flooding, landslides and the collapse of the electricity system, leaving large areas of the city isolated. According to data from the Bishops’ Conference, more than one million people are affected. Numerous homes have lost their roofs or have been completely destroyed, especially in coastal communities with Salesian work.

Material damage also affected church structures. The Mary Help of Christians parish, for example, suffered damage to windows and falling trees. More serious, however, was the damage to the chapels at Cayo and Los Desamparados: the former lost almost all of its roof and furnishings, while the latter suffered the partial collapse of a wall. Faced with this situation, the community has launched an emergency response that includes assessing the damage, coordinating with the church authorities and opening up its premises to support families in neighboring areas.

Twice a day, an electric generator is switched on to allow people to recharge mobile phones and essential devices, a concrete symbol of hope in the darkness. Currently, the main needs are drinking water, non-perishable foodstuffs, medicines, building materials, hygiene products, purifiers, mosquito nets, torches, clothes, basic furniture and fuel.

The Salesian charism, inspired by Don Bosco, urges this community to remain “anchored in hope,” accompanying the most vulnerable with gestures of closeness, faith, and solidarity.

From the community, they also let it be known that anyone wishing to collaborate with the Mary Help of Christians work can do so by contacting the local authorities or the Province, which are coordinating humanitarian aid.