CUBA IN CRISIS: US Aid RUSHED as Hurricane Ravages Island!

The United States announced immediate humanitarian aid for Cuba following the brutal impact of Hurricane Melissa, a gesture of support extended to a nation grappling with widespread devastation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed the commitment, recognizing the urgent needs of the Cuban people in the storm’s aftermath.

Teams dispatched by the State Department were en route to the Caribbean, anticipated to arrive Thursday, prepared to bolster disaster relief efforts already underway. Hurricane Melissa initially slammed into Jamaica on Tuesday before unleashing its fury upon eastern Cuba, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

The response isn’t simply a matter of offering assistance; it’s a recognition of the ongoing struggles faced by the Cuban population. The administration emphasized a willingness to deliver aid directly, and through trusted local partners best positioned to reach those most vulnerable.

U.S. law provides pathways for private donations of essential supplies – food, medicine, and other critical goods – alongside provisions for disaster response. Officials encouraged individuals seeking to contribute directly to contact them should any obstacles arise.

Across Cuba, a massive cleanup operation began, with citizens utilizing heavy machinery to clear blocked roads and highways. The military played a crucial role, rescuing individuals stranded in isolated communities and those threatened by dangerous landslides.

Remarkably, despite the storm’s intensity, no fatalities were reported in Cuba. This success is attributed to the proactive evacuation of over 735,000 people from the eastern provinces by the nation’s Civil Defense authorities.

While an official damage assessment remains incomplete, preliminary reports paint a grim picture. Provinces including Santiago, Granma, Holguín, Guantánamo, and Las Tunas have reported significant losses – roofs ripped away, power lines downed, communication networks severed, and vital agricultural lands decimated.

“We went through this very badly,” recounted Odalys Ojeda, a 61-year-old resident of Santiago de Cuba province. “So much wind… Zinc roofs were torn off, some houses completely collapsed. It was a disaster.” Her words capture the raw reality faced by countless Cubans.

The hurricane’s reach extended beyond Cuba, leaving a heartbreaking toll in its path. In southern Haiti, a flooded river claimed at least 25 lives in Petit-Grove, while Jamaica reported four confirmed deaths in St. Elizabeth Parish.

The scale of the disaster underscores the immense power of nature and the urgent need for international cooperation in the face of such devastating events. The focus now remains on providing relief, rebuilding communities, and supporting those who have lost so much.