Red Cross Initiates $18 Million Fundraiser for Hurricane Melissa Victims in Cuba

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an urgent appeal to gather 15 million Swiss francs, equivalent to 18 million U.S. dollars, aimed at aiding 100,000 individuals affected by Hurricane Melissa and a concurrent arbovirus outbreak impacting Cuba.

The initiative will focus on providing immediate life-saving assistance, early recovery efforts, and enhancing long-term resilience.

This humanitarian mission by the IFRC is set to last two years, delivering support to families through the distribution of shelter kits, mattresses, solar lamps, and kitchen utensils.

Efforts will also include promoting the rehabilitation of homes and reconstruction using safe and sustainable building techniques.

Health Crisis Escalation with Arbovirus Outbreak

The Federation has warned that the health emergency caused by the arbovirus outbreak—which includes dengue, chikungunya, and oropouche—has worsened following the flooding. Consequently, priority will be given to epidemiological surveillance, distribution of clean water and hygiene supplies, and restoring essential health services through mobile and auxiliary units.

Additionally, environmental health measures such as water system cleaning, waste removal, and vector control will be implemented.

Devastation and Recovery Efforts

Jagan Chapagain, secretary general of the IFRC, emphasized the scale of the destruction: "It will take months, possibly years, for people to rebuild their lives. This emergency appeal is crucial to raise the necessary funds to assist the Cuban people."

Hurricane Melissa, considered one of the most powerful storms recorded in Cuba, made landfall in the southeastern region on October 28, inundating communities across eight eastern provinces.

Many of these areas had not yet recovered from previous hurricanes, such as Oscar in 2024, and now face renewed devastation of homes, loss of property, and heightened health risks.

Cuban Red Cross’s Proactive Measures

Carlos Pérez Díaz, executive president of the Cuban Red Cross, explained that volunteers have been active since before the storm hit, participating in preventive evacuations, awareness campaigns, and psychosocial support, as well as rescuing individuals caught in rising floodwaters.

"They have rescued those trapped and continue to provide crucial aid to those who have lost everything. Our focus now is on delivering essential items and ensuring access to medical care and psychosocial support," he stated.

In preparation for the hurricane, the Cuban Red Cross positioned 1,000 family aid kits in secure warehouses across the eastern provinces, ready for swift distribution. These kits contain hygiene products, blankets, and kitchen utensils, designed for evacuated families and affected households.

Long-Term Reconstruction and Resilience

Loyce Pace, the IFRC’s regional director for the Americas, highlighted that the operation builds on decades of collaboration with the Cuban Red Cross, supporting communities impacted by hurricanes like Ian, Sandy, Oscar, and now Melissa.

The IFRC stressed that the aid aims not only to meet immediate needs and prevent disease spread but also to reconstruct homes resiliently and to strengthen community capacity to face future disasters.

Meanwhile, hundreds of communities remain flooded, and many families have lost their homes, possessions, and livelihoods, underscoring the population's vulnerability to natural disasters and the state's inadequate management.

In a Facebook statement, the IFRC highlighted that Hurricane Melissa has ravaged eastern Cuba with torrential rains, massive flooding, and winds reaching up to 295 km/h.

"At the same time, an arbovirus outbreak exacerbates health risks. Donate now to help the Cuban Red Cross provide vital assistance," the statement urged.