In yet another instance of external reliance, Cuba is set to receive 7,110 tons of humanitarian aid from the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA). This shipment underscores the country's dire situation and the inadequacy of Havana's regime in addressing the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa.
According to a video shared by TeleSUR on social media platform X, the executive secretary of the organization, Peña, explained that the ship "Manuel Gual" departed last Friday for Santiago de Cuba. The vessel carries essential materials for road repair, 76 containers filled with food, and five backhoes, all crucial for aiding the recovery of areas severely impacted by the cyclone a month ago.
Peña stated, "The people of Cuba should also know that President Miguel Díaz-Canel is in constant communication with the team of experts we sent over there, who are assisting in restoring the electrical grid."
The executive secretary further noted that ALBA has sent more than 12,000 tons of supplies in recent weeks to support affected communities. These shipments have included food, medicine, toys, and windows for rebuilding damaged homes, as reported by TeleSUR.
The Devastating Impact of Hurricane Melissa on Cuba
Hurricane Melissa struck Cuba at the end of October, entering through the southeast and exiting seven hours later via the northeast. With winds reaching up to 200 km/h and rainfall hitting 400 mm in some areas, the storm wreaked havoc.
The aftermath was catastrophic: widespread power outages, complete and partial collapses of homes and infrastructure, impassable roads, disrupted communications, and severe flooding.
UN Warns of Enormous Disaster Scale
The United Nations recently informed EFE that the scale of the disaster is far beyond initial estimates, leaving Cuban authorities "overwhelmed" by the population's vast needs.
Francisco Pichón, the UN resident coordinator in Cuba, stated that over 3.5 million people have been affected, with more than 90,000 homes damaged or destroyed and 100,000 hectares of crops suffering severe damage.
Global Aid Efforts Amid Cuba's Deepening Crisis
The latest shipment from ALBA is part of a broader international effort to alleviate the humanitarian crisis on the island, already battered by blackouts, shortages, collapsing infrastructure, and a state apparatus ill-equipped to handle such a large-scale emergency.
The cargo aims to expedite the restoration of essential services and support thousands of families still living amid rubble with limited access to food, potable water, and electricity.
Understanding the Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
What kind of aid did ALBA send to Cuba?
ALBA sent 7,110 tons of aid, including materials for road repair, 76 containers of food, and five backhoes to assist with recovery efforts.
How has the international community responded to Cuba's crisis?
The international community, including ALBA, has been actively sending aid to Cuba to help mitigate the humanitarian crisis triggered by Hurricane Melissa.
What was the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa caused widespread devastation, including power outages, infrastructure damage, road blockages, communication disruptions, and severe flooding.