After the devastating passage of Hurricane Melissa through eastern Cuba, the United States government announced that it is prepared to provide immediate humanitarian aid to the island’s people, even without an official request from the Caribbean nation.
The storm, which made landfall with winds of around 200 mph, destroyed homes, roads, power lines, and hospitals, leaving thousands of people displaced, and entire communities cut off. Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo were among the hardest-hit provinces, where local authorities are struggling to restore basic services and communications. Cuban state media reported that rescue brigades continue to search for missing people amid collapsed buildings and flooded neighborhoods.
In an official statement, the U.S. Secretary of State said that, as with other Caribbean nations affected by Melissa, a specific humanitarian assistance declaration has been issued for Cuba. This allows private organizations and NGOs to send food, medicine, water purification systems, and emergency equipment. Washington also expressed its willingness to cooperate with international agencies like the Red Cross and the United Nations to ensure aid reaches the areas most in need.
How soon will the aid reach the victims?
Although the offer is immediate, the arrival of resources will depend on logistical coordination, damaged infrastructure, and the delicate diplomatic relationship between both countries, factors that could slow the delivery of much-needed support.
