This past Sunday, the United States government declared that it will allocate $3 million in humanitarian aid to support Cubans impacted by the devastating Hurricane Melissa, which recently battered several provinces in the eastern part of the island.
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) has communicated that this aid will be distributed in collaboration with the Catholic Church. The goal is to ensure that the assistance reaches the hardest-hit communities directly, bypassing any Cuban government intermediaries.
The WHA stated on its official X account, "The United States is working with the Catholic Church to deliver $3 million in humanitarian aid directly to those most affected by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba. Our thoughts and prayers are with the resilient Cuban people."
This initiative underscores Washington's commitment to providing direct support to the Cuban populace during times of crisis. It follows closely on the heels of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent announcement about offering aid "without regime intermediaries."
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba on October 29, resulting in tens of thousands of people being impacted, along with severe damage to homes, crops, and power infrastructure across Guantánamo, Granma, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba. Some communities in these areas remain cut off.
By channeling aid through the Catholic Church, the United States aims to ensure that resources are delivered efficiently and transparently to the most vulnerable regions, sidestepping the typically state-controlled official distribution mechanisms.
This humanitarian gesture by Washington represents a new chapter in the historically strained bilateral relations, which have often affected cooperation during emergencies.
As of now, the Cuban government has not issued an official response to this announcement.
FAQs on U.S. Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
How will the $3 million in aid be distributed?
The aid will be distributed in collaboration with the Catholic Church to ensure it reaches the communities most affected by Hurricane Melissa directly, without government intermediaries.
Which areas in Cuba were most impacted by Hurricane Melissa?
The eastern provinces of Guantánamo, Granma, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba experienced severe damage, with ongoing reports of isolated communities.
What is the significance of the U.S. aid being channeled through the Catholic Church?
This approach is intended to ensure that the humanitarian resources are delivered effectively and transparently to those in need, avoiding the state-controlled distribution systems.