A shipment of 20 tons of humanitarian aid has arrived in eastern Cuba to assist those impacted by Hurricane Melissa. This delivery reached the Antonio Maceo Grajales International Airport in Santiago de Cuba on Sunday, transported by a charter flight from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) originating in Panama.
The donation is designed to provide immediate humanitarian relief to 1,500 individuals and includes kitchen kits, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, blankets, mosquito nets, solar lamps, toolkits, and plastic tarps. The organization detailed this in a statement on their website.
"These items will be distributed by the Cuban Red Cross in the areas most affected by the hurricane," the statement emphasized.
This initial shipment was delivered in record time, thanks to pre-positioned humanitarian aid funds maintained by the IFRC at their Humanitarian Hub in Panama. This facility stores essential items sufficient to support 20,000 people within 48 to 72 hours following a disaster.
The federation highlighted that this initial cargo is part of their "efforts to ensure a rapid and quality humanitarian response," alongside an emergency appeal to raise 15 million Swiss francs (approximately 18 million U.S. dollars) aimed at helping 100,000 people in Cuba over the next two years.
The donation arrived in Santiago de Cuba from Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, in an operation coordinated by the IFRC, in partnership with Copa Airlines and the Cuban Red Cross.
Officials from these institutions praised the logistical efficiency and regional solidarity that made this intervention possible. "It is always a pleasure for us to assist the Cuban people, especially in such challenging times," expressed a representative from the Panamanian airline to Santiago's local television.
A Cuban Red Cross official stated that the resources will be distributed among the most vulnerable families in the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguín, the areas hardest hit by the meteorological event.
The aid distribution, they explained, will be carried out by the Red Cross in coordination with the Defense Councils, prioritizing families affected by the disaster, women with children, the elderly — including those living alone — and people with disabilities.
Contents of the Donated Kits for Hurricane Survivors
The IFRC's statement provides details about the contents of the donated kits. The hygiene kits contain essential items such as soap, toothbrushes, shampoo, menstrual hygiene products, towels, and toilet paper to "help families maintain their health and personal care after the hurricane."
These kits, along with mosquito nets, are crucial in preventing diseases in situations where access to water and sanitation has been disrupted.
The kitchen kits will supply utensils for preparing and serving food for five people, while the toolkits will aid in cleaning and reconstruction efforts.
Additionally, the sleeping kits include sheets and pillows, offering better conditions for families who have lost their homes and are staying in temporary shelters.
"Together, these kits support daily life, health, and recovery," the information emphasizes.
Global Aid Efforts for Cuba
Alongside the aid sent by the International Red Cross from Panama, other countries and international organizations have mobilized resources to help those affected by Hurricane Melissa in Cuba.
The United Nations (UN) delivered a shipment of medical aid in Havana on Saturday to support over 90,000 people impacted by the cyclone in eastern Cuba.
The United States government announced on Sunday the allocation of 3 million dollars in humanitarian assistance for Cubans impacted by the hurricane, which devastated several eastern provinces.
Colombia dispatched 22 tons of humanitarian aid, coordinated by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The donation included food, personal hygiene kits, sets of sheets, and mosquito nets.
Through the Chinese Red Cross, China sent 1,000 emergency family kits, comprising hygiene items, coats, and essential utensils.
Venezuela contributed 26 tons of aid to eastern Cuba, as part of the usual cooperation between the two allied governments.
Simultaneously, the Cuban exile community in Miami has organized direct support campaigns for the disaster victims on the island.
The initiative "Help for Eastern Cuba" is collecting donations from citizens, activists, and artists willing to contribute food, medicines, and clothing to the provinces affected by the cyclone.
FAQs on Humanitarian Aid for Cuba
What types of items are included in the humanitarian aid kits?
The kits include kitchen utensils, hygiene products, sleeping materials, mosquito nets, solar lamps, tools, and plastic tarps, designed to support daily life and recovery after the hurricane.
Who will receive the aid in Cuba?
The aid will be distributed by the Cuban Red Cross to vulnerable families in the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguín, prioritizing those most affected by the hurricane.
Which countries and organizations have contributed to the aid effort?
Contributions have come from the United States, Colombia, China, Venezuela, and the United Nations, among others, all providing various forms of humanitarian assistance to Cuba.