Maisí, October 11 (RHC)--  Cuban President Raúl Castro has insisted on the need to speed up the supply of badly needed resources to victims of Hurricane Matthew in the eastern region.

The Cuban leader toured areas devastated by the category-4 hurricane in the municipality of Maisí in Guantánamo.  He was accompanied by Deputy Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Army Corps General Ramón Espinosa Martín, and Denny Legrá Azahares, President of the Guantánamo Provincial Defense Council. 

President Raúl Castro outlined key issues for the recovery of the municipality of Maisí -- the hardest hit by Matthew. Over 90% of homes and public buildings suffered severe damage. Basic services, such as communications, electricity and water supply were also severely affected. 

Agriculture was also seriously affected, mainly coffee plantations. Maisí is the largest coffee producer in the country.

Residents gathered to welcome the Cuban president and reiterate their confidence in their Revolution. 

“You have suffered a heavy blow, but we will recover,” the Cuban president said as he shook hands with residents, commending their courage and their continued resistance in the face of adversity. 

President Raúl Castro also called on the people to return to their normal daily activities as soon as possible, particularly the resumption of school classes.

The Cuban president insisted on the importance of learning the lessons from the latest events for any eventual similar situation in the future.