In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, U.S. Ambassador to Cuba, Mike Hammer, offered his support and condolences to the Cuban people during a visit to the Parish of Our Lady of Charity in Havana this Wednesday.
A video released by the U.S. Embassy in Cuba captured Hammer's heartfelt message of solidarity with those affected, particularly in the eastern provinces hardest hit by the storm.
"I came here today to the Virgin of Charity at the parish in Havana to express, on behalf of the U.S. Embassy here in Havana and the U.S. government, that our thoughts, feelings, and prayers are with the Cuban people, especially all those impacted in the east due to Hurricane Melissa. Know that you are always accompanied by the United States," stated the diplomat.
Devastation in Eastern Cuba
The ambassador's gesture comes amid a severe humanitarian crisis in eastern Cuba, where Melissa left behind widespread devastation, flooding, power outages, and isolated communities. The Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) confirmed that the hurricane exited national territory on Wednesday morning after passing through Santiago de Cuba and Holguín with sustained winds of up to 195 km/h and rainfall exceeding 300 millimeters.
U.S. Aid Mobilization Excludes Cuba
Hammer's message followed an announcement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the mobilization of U.S. humanitarian aid to Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas, notably excluding Cuba from the beneficiaries.
Rubio emphasized that Washington maintains "close contact" with these governments to coordinate response and assistance efforts. Meanwhile, the Cuban regime has not requested international aid despite the extensive damage. Historically, Havana has rejected direct assistance offers from Washington, even during natural disasters, maintaining a policy of political isolation in the face of internal emergencies.
Papal and UN Calls for Support
From the Vatican, Pope Leon XIV joined in calls for support across the Caribbean, urging prayers for the victims of Melissa. During the general audience, the pontiff expressed his solidarity with the nations affected by the hurricane, describing it as a storm of "catastrophic power" and "devastating force."
Simultaneously, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) issued an urgent call for local Cuban businesses to provide emergency supplies and logistical services to aid in the humanitarian response. The agency warned that the situation in eastern Cuba is "very difficult," with massive power and communication failures in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Granma.
Melissa: A Historic Hurricane
According to international experts, Melissa stands as the most intense hurricane of 2025 and ranks among the most powerful ever recorded in the Atlantic, with winds up to 295 km/h and a minimum pressure of 892 millibars.
The hurricane ravaged eastern Cuba following its path through Jamaica and Haiti, resulting in dozens of deaths and thousands of displaced individuals in the region. Both Pope Leon XIV and Ambassador Mike Hammer emphasized a shared message: the necessity of supporting the Cuban people in rebuilding and prayer, as the island confronts one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Cuba
How did Hurricane Melissa affect eastern Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa caused widespread devastation in eastern Cuba, resulting in flooding, power outages, and isolated communities, particularly impacting the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Holguín.
Why did the U.S. aid mobilization exclude Cuba?
The U.S. aid mobilization excluded Cuba due to the Cuban regime's historical rejection of direct assistance offers from Washington, maintaining a policy of political isolation even during natural disasters.
What response did the international community have to Hurricane Melissa?
The international response included calls for support and prayers from Pope Leon XIV and the UNDP's urgent appeal for local Cuban businesses to contribute emergency supplies and logistics to aid the humanitarian effort.