Cuba’s government has described its cooperation with the Catholic Church as “positive” following an agreement that the Church would coordinate the distribution of US$3 million in post-hurricane humanitarian assistance from the United States. The aid is intended for Cubans in the island’s eastern provinces severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment (MINCEX) highlighted that the Catholic Church has long been a trusted partner in humanitarian work, coordinating successfully with Cuban authorities to deliver aid according to assessed needs. The government expressed appreciation for the support provided by the United States and other international donors, while emphasizing the importance of efficiency and transparency in delivering assistance to affected communities.
The agreement comes after Washington announced on 31 October that it would provide immediate humanitarian aid to Cuba through local partners capable of reaching those in need. The US State Department reaffirmed that existing laws allow private donations of food, medicine, and other humanitarian goods to Cuba. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the assistance was meant to support those struggling in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated the island’s eastern provinces. Prior to the agreement with the Church, uncertainty had prevailed regarding how aid would be distributed, with President Díaz-Canel stating that Cuba welcomed help that respected national sovereignty and legal frameworks.
The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba (COCC) and Caritas Cuba announced that they were working to coordinate and implement the distribution of US aid. They reported holding constructive talks with all parties to ensure that the assistance could be delivered effectively to those affected. The COCC expressed its commitment to serving the most vulnerable, confirming receipt of a US humanitarian offer amounting to US$3 million, channeled through Catholic institutions to aid those impacted by the hurricane.
Post-hurricane recovery efforts are underway but expected to be lengthy due to the extensive damage in Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, and Guantánamo provinces. The government has prioritized sanitation, restoring electricity and water, and rehabilitating housing and crops. According to UN estimates, around 2.2 million people have been severely affected, with major losses to homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and telecommunications infrastructure. The UN has launched a US$74.2 million recovery appeal to support restoration efforts, noting Cuba’s limited access to international financial resources.
Despite the devastation, tourism facilities in eastern Cuba have begun reopening, with hotels reporting mostly cosmetic damage and resuming operations. Health authorities have intensified disease surveillance and medical support in affected areas, while local measures have stabilized the Cauto del Paso dam, which no longer poses a flood risk. However, severe damage to railways, especially in Santiago de Cuba, remains a challenge. To assist affected families, the Cuban government has approved subsidies and loans for construction materials needed to rebuild homes.
International aid has poured in from multiple countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, India, China, Japan, and members of the European Union. The United Nations Development Programme has sent roofing materials and medical supplies, while humanitarian shipments from neighboring countries continue to arrive. This international solidarity underscores global support for Cuba’s recovery as it works to rebuild infrastructure and restore essential services in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
