President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez addressed the nation on the eve of the impact of Hurricane Melissa, a dangerous and powerful cyclone.

Melissa "is a hurricane of great magnitude; it is classified as a Category Five. It is considered, based on its characteristics, as one of the strongest, most severe, or perhaps the strongest to have passed through the national territory," stated the President.

He informed the public that the hurricane "should be affecting the national territory and we should already be feeling its main influences in the afternoon to evening today; it will pass, according to forecasts, with all its force through the country tonight and in the early hours of tomorrow, and will be leaving the national territory by the afternoon on Wednesday."

Insisting on the event's magnitude and the population's necessary understanding of the risk, Díaz-Canel noted that forecasts indicate Melissa brings winds with speeds exceeding 260 kilometers per hour—speeds, he emphasized, "that can destroy any type of installation that does not have adequate conditions."

"Therefore," he reiterated, "we ask that once again, taking advantage of the hours we have left before its passage, our entire population be located in safe zones to face this hurricane. We insist heavily on this." He stressed that this depends not only on the measures taken but also on "the responsibility with which everyone acts."

"It is a duty and a responsibility of every Cuban citizen in the zones that will be affected by this hurricane, to consider and comply with this call and this communication," he stated.

The President detailed that defense councils at all levels have been working intensely on implementing all measures and actions planned for such meteorological events. "I believe," he added, "that work has been intense, with great responsibility, dedication, effort, in a timely and coherent manner." This has resulted in a high number of people evacuated to safe places and protective measures taken for key economic resources and the possessions of those living in vulnerable areas.

"Now," reiterated Díaz-Canel, "the most important thing is that we all act responsibly. That the population strictly complies with the measures and guidelines given by the defense organs."

He addressed public skepticism about taking measures when the weather is still calm, commenting, "Well, that is the characteristic of this type of event. The weather is fine moments before the hurricane passes, but that is the moment to take advantage of for implementing measures, because afterwards the hurricane passes with its devastating effect and there is no more time to do anything else."

"Therefore," he underscored, "measures must be taken from now, with precaution." He warned that this effort "cannot be spoiled by anyone's irresponsibility." He specifically urged that no one venture to swim in swollen rivers or return from evacuation centers before official instructions are given.

Díaz-Canel emphasized the need for "good citizen conduct, to create an environment of solidarity, cooperation, and respect for the implemented measures so that we do not have to regret, first and foremost, the loss of human lives, and secondly, so that material damages can be mitigated."

The Head of State also reported that multiple brigades from the electric, hydraulic resources, communications, and construction sectors are already pre-positioned in the eastern region—the area expected to be most affected—to work on recovery alongside local forces. He also acknowledged that United Nations agencies have pre-positioned resources to aid affected persons.

Concluding his message, President Díaz-Canel expressed confidence in the nation's ability to recover. "We know there will be significant damage caused by this cyclone due to its explained characteristics, but we will have the full capacity to recover." He affirmed, "Once again, we count on the unity of our people, on the experience of these years of Revolution in facing situations like these, and on the heroism and resistance of the Cuban people. Together we will overcome. Strength to Cuba!"