This week, two flights originating from Miami landed at Santiago de Cuba's airport, delivering 1,900 food and hygiene kits donated by the United States government, as reported by Caritas Cuba on their official website.
The first aircraft touched down on Tuesday, followed by the second on Thursday, marking the completion of the initial segment of a $3 million U.S. donation announced in November 2025 after Hurricane Melissa ravaged eastern Cuba.
The aid will be distributed among vulnerable families in Santiago de Cuba, affected by the cyclone, through the efforts of parish volunteers, priests, diocesan teams, and nuns.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 29, 2025, in Guamá, Santiago de Cuba, as a Category 3 hurricane, causing widespread damage to homes, hospitals, and infrastructure. The disaster forced the evacuation of approximately 735,000 people in the eastern part of the island.
From the outset, Washington stipulated that all assistance must be distributed exclusively by the Catholic Church and Caritas Cuba, bypassing the Cuban government, a method endorsed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The distribution effort began on January 14, 2026, with the first cargo flight to Holguín airport, followed by maritime shipments: a vessel carrying seven containers docked in Santiago de Cuba in February, and five additional containers arrived in April, delivering over 3,500 food, hygiene, and household supply kits.
As of May 8, Caritas Cuba reported having fulfilled 82% of the initial donation, with the remaining 18% scheduled for this month, benefiting 8,800 families in Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Las Tunas, Bayamo, and Guantánamo.
In contrast, the Cuban regime publicly downplayed the aid. Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío referred to it as "individual bags of food and toiletries" and other materials that, as he noted, "are always appreciated."
The United States has since increased its commitment with an additional $6 million, raising the total pledged amount to $9 million. Rubio has even proposed up to $100 million, contingent upon the distribution being managed through non-governmental organizations or religious entities independent of the Cuban state.
Key Facts About U.S. Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
What was the total amount of the initial U.S. donation to Cuba?
The initial donation from the United States to Cuba was $3 million, aimed at providing relief after Hurricane Melissa.
Who is responsible for distributing the humanitarian aid in Cuba?
The aid is being distributed by the Catholic Church and Caritas Cuba, as stipulated by the U.S., without the involvement of the Cuban government.
How did the Cuban government respond to the U.S. aid?
The Cuban government minimized the significance of the aid, with Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío describing it as "individual bags of food and toiletries."