The United States government has announced the first direct humanitarian shipments to Cuba as part of a $3 million disaster assistance package following Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, launched by the Trump Administration, aims to support Cuban communities still recovering from the hurricane's damage.
A humanitarian flight carrying relief supplies will depart from Florida, with a second flight scheduled for January 16. Additional aid will be sent by commercial vessel in the coming weeks. The shipments include food, hygiene kits, and other essential items intended to help families in Cuba recover and rebuild after the storm.
U.S. officials emphasized that special measures have been implemented to ensure that this aid reaches Cubans directly and is not diverted by government authorities in Havana. "Consistent with our longstanding policy, we have taken extraordinary measures to ensure that this assistance reaches the Cuban people directly, without interference or diversion by the illegitimate regime," according to a statement released today.
The U.S. is partnering with the Catholic Church in Cuba for transparent and effective distribution of aid on the island. "We are working in close partnership with the Catholic Church in Cuba to deliver aid transparently and effectively," said officials.
Those seeking more information about this humanitarian effort can review an associated fact sheet provided by U.S. authorities.
