Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday that the United States is prepared to offer immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Cuba affected by Hurricane Melissa. The declaration came as the State Department deployed teams expected to arrive in the Caribbean as early as Thursday to support disaster response efforts following the hurricane’s devastating impact on Jamaica. Rubio emphasized the Trump Administration’s solidarity with the Cuban people, stating that the Department is issuing a Declaration of Humanitarian Assistance for Cuba and is ready to provide aid directly or through local partners. He also highlighted U.S. law’s provisions allowing private donations of food, medicine, and other humanitarian goods to Cuba, encouraging those wishing to support the Cuban people to contact the State, department if they encounter any issues. The State Department released a press statement titled ‘U.S. Stands Ready to Help the Cuban People,’ underscoring the administration’s commitment to aiding those affected by the hurricane.
Cuban authorities began clearing blocked roads and highways with heavy equipment and even enlisted the help of the military on Thursday. The military rescued people trapped in isolated communities and those at risk from landslides, according to The Associated Press. No fatalities were reported after Cuba’s Civil Defense evacuated more than 735,000 people across the eastern part of the country, the AP also reported. A televised Civil Defense meeting chaired by President Miguel Díaz-Canel did not provide an official estimate of the damage. However, officials from the affected provinces — Santiago, Granma, Holguín, Guantánamo and Las Tunas — reported losses of roofs, power lines, fiber optic telecommunications cables, cut roads, isolated communities and losses of banana, cassava and coffee plantations.
In southern Haiti, the mayor of Petit-Grove said at least 25 people were killed after a flooded river overflowed its banks, FOX Weather reported. At least four people were confirmed dead in St. Elizabeth Parish in Jamaica because of the hurricane, FOX Weather added. The disaster has had a significant impact on the region, with multiple countries suffering from infrastructure damage and loss of life. The United States’ offer of humanitarian aid comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape, as the U.S. continues to navigate its relationship with Cuba. While the move is seen as a humanitarian effort, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in U.S.-Cuba relations. Despite the political tensions, Rubio’s statement reflects the administration’s commitment to providing aid to those in need, regardless of political considerations.
Rubio’s announcement highlights the United States’ role in global disaster response, particularly in the Caribbean region. The deployment of State Department teams to the Caribbean underscores the administration’s prioritization of humanitarian efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters. The U.S. government’s response to Hurricane Melissa is part of a broader strategy to engage with Caribbean nations and provide assistance where it is needed most. While the focus is on immediate aid, the long-term impact of the disaster on the region remains a concern. The affected countries are working to recover from the damage, with the support of international partners like the United States. The administration’s commitment to humanitarian aid is a positive step, but the challenge lies in ensuring that the aid reaches those who need it most, particularly in the face of political and logistical obstacles.