Over the weekend, Belarus dispatched a shipment exceeding 20 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba, comprising medical supplies and food for those affected by the hurricanes Oscar and Rafael, as well as the earthquakes that struck in November 2024, according to Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We are grateful to the Government and people of Belarus for their support and for their solidarity shipment (...) for those affected by the hurricanes and the earthquake that devastated the country last fall,” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla expressed on social media platform X.
Natural Disasters Worsen an Already Collapsed Economy
During October and November 2024, Cuba endured a series of natural calamities that exacerbated its already dire economic situation, as reported by EFE. Hurricane Oscar hit Guantánamo province with winds surpassing 130 km/h. Weeks later, Hurricane Rafael, escalating to a Category 3 cyclone, swept across Artemisa, impacting over 800,000 individuals in that area and nearby regions including Mayabeque, Havana, and the Isle of Youth.
Adding to these meteorological events, two earthquakes measuring 6.0 and 6.8 magnitudes shook eastern Cuba on November 17, severely affecting Granma and Santiago de Cuba. These quakes caused structural damage, disrupted communications, and triggered a nationwide blackout due to a disconnection in the power grid.
Accumulated Damage Amid Structural Crisis
According to official figures cited by the agency, the combined climate and seismic events led to over 34,000 homes being damaged, affected 37,000 hectares of agricultural production, and severely damaged electricity, water, and telecommunications services. These disasters compounded the severe economic crisis the island has faced for more than five years, marked by shortages of basic goods, prolonged power outages, rampant inflation, a growing informal dollarization, and an unprecedented wave of migration.
Wave of International Solidarity
The aid from Belarus is part of the numerous donations Cuba has received in recent months from international organizations, ally nations, and non-governmental organizations, aiming to mitigate the social and material impacts of recent natural disasters in a nation already devastated by poor and arbitrary governmental decisions.
The country's structural crisis extends beyond the immediate emergency, with no end in sight. Recovery will depend on deep economic and infrastructure reforms—something the communist regime shows no intention of undertaking—along with support from the international community.
FAQs on Cuba's Recent Disasters and International Aid
What kind of aid did Belarus send to Cuba?
Belarus sent a shipment of over 20 tons of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and food, to support victims of the hurricanes and earthquakes in Cuba.
How did the natural disasters impact Cuba's economy?
The natural disasters severely worsened Cuba's economic situation, causing extensive damage to homes, agriculture, and essential services, exacerbating an already critical economic crisis.
Which areas in Cuba were most affected by the hurricanes and earthquakes?
The hurricanes and earthquakes primarily impacted the provinces of Guantánamo, Artemisa, Granma, and Santiago de Cuba, along with nearby regions.
What are the long-term recovery prospects for Cuba?
Long-term recovery in Cuba will require significant economic and infrastructure reforms, which the current regime has shown no intention of pursuing, along with continued international support.