Hurricane Melissa Causes Extensive Damage in Eastern Cuba

Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc across eastern Cuba, damaging over 45,000 homes and affecting approximately 1,500 schools. According to OnCuba News, preliminary reports from the National Defense Council indicate that a total of 45,282 homes were impacted, with many suffering severe roof damage. The storm has also led to significant destruction of infrastructure, including health facilities, as 461 medical institutions were reported affected. The agricultural sector faced devastating losses, with around 78,700 hectares of land damaged, particularly impacting banana crops and livestock. Reports from Granma province highlight that over 39,000 hectares of crops, including root vegetables and grains, were flooded, and significant losses were incurred in coffee plantations and livestock. As a result, approximately 120,000 people are currently displaced, seeking refuge in shelters or with relatives.

Despite the extensive damage, there are no official reports of fatalities, although many areas remain cut off due to flooding and damaged infrastructure. The Cuban government has acknowledged the dire need for assistance and is actively coordinating with various organizations for aid. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment announced that the government would channel humanitarian aid from the United States, worth three million dollars, through the Catholic Church. This initiative follows a history of cooperation between the Cuban government and the Catholic Church in disaster relief efforts.

The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the offer of assistance aimed at helping Cubans affected by the hurricane, emphasizing that the aid would be directed toward the people rather than the government. However, this offer has caused some tension, as the Cuban government insists that all aid will be managed by its authorities, raising concerns about transparency and the effective distribution of resources. The regime's response has been mixed, with some officials expressing gratitude for the support while others remain skeptical of U.S. intentions.

Additionally, other nations and organizations have provided assistance, including the Chinese Red Cross, which sent emergency kits, and the United Nations, which allocated four million dollars for relief efforts. Despite these efforts, skepticism remains regarding the distribution of aid within Cuba, with many fearing that bureaucratic hurdles may prevent timely assistance from reaching those in need. In summary, Hurricane Melissa's impact has highlighted the ongoing challenges Cuba faces in disaster recovery, showcasing the importance of international support amid the country's prolonged economic crisis. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to assess the damage and mobilize resources for recovery efforts.