LITTLE HAVANA, Fla. — Hurricane Melissa slammed into eastern Cuba on Wednesday, leaving behind widespread flooding, power outages and heavy damage — and sparking concern among Cuban Americans in South Florida.

The storm struck near Santiago de Cuba, where aging infrastructure made the destruction worse.

“Very worried, yeah, because it never happened before — so strong, very strong,” said Miami resident Juan Guerra, whose daughter still lives on the island.

Videos from the region showed flooded streets and collapsed homes.

“I feel bad for all the Cubans,” one man said in Spanish. “That’s our people, and I hope Jesus Christ looks after them.”

In Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, many shared the same worries.

“I am very sorry for them,” said Sylvia Figueroa. “I am Cuban, and I feel for them.”

Figueroa compared the storm to Hurricane Maria, which left her without power for months. Guerra fears a long recovery ahead for Cuba, citing constant blackouts and food shortages. “No food, no medicine — it’s very, very sad,” he said.

Hurricane Melissa hits Cuba, stirs concern in Miami’s Little Havana

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Terrell Forney