Humanitarian Aid for Cuba After Hurricane Melissa

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States is “ready to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people” affected by Hurricane Melissa. This statement came on Thursday following the State Department’s decision to send a team to the Caribbean to aid in disaster response after the hurricane struck Jamaica.

Rubio expressed the U.S. commitment to supporting the Cuban people who are facing significant hardships due to the storm’s aftermath. He stated, “Following the devastation of eastern Cuba by Hurricane Melissa, the Trump Administration stands by the brave Cuban people who continue to struggle to meet their basic needs.” Additionally, he mentioned that U.S. law allows private donations of essentials like food and medicine to Cuba, urging those who wish to help to reach out if they have questions.

Cubans have been mobilizing heavy equipment to clear debris and were coordinating with military personnel to rescue individuals trapped in remote areas. Thankfully, so far, there have been no reported fatalities, thanks in part to the Civil Defense’s evacuation of over 735,000 residents from affected regions in eastern Cuba.

While a civil defense meeting led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel did not provide specific damage estimates, local officials reported extensive losses, including destroyed roofs, downed power lines, and isolated communities. Crops like bananas and coffee have also faced devastating impacts.

In Santiago, a local resident, Odalis Ojeda, vividly described the hurricane’s strength, saying, “We suffered very badly. The wind was so strong, so violent.” Her account echoed the sentiments of many in the region grappling with the destruction.

Meanwhile, in Haiti, rising floodwaters resulted in at least 25 reported deaths, as the impact of Hurricane Melissa was felt across the Caribbean.