The Government of Japan delivered a shipment of humanitarian aid on Tuesday at the José Martí International Airport in Havana, intended for those affected by Hurricane Rafael in the province of Artemisa.
The shipment includes water purifiers, sleeping pads, blankets, and tents, essential supplies provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to alleviate the situation of those affected, reported the official agency Prensa Latina.
During the reception ceremony, Nakamura Kazuhito, ambassador of the Asian nation, stated that “Japan and Cuba are facing together the adversities imposed by these phenomena. This support aims to improve, even if only partially, the living conditions of those who need it most,” he emphasized.
Kazuhito recalled that the donation is part of similar initiatives undertaken by Japan in the past following hurricanes Matthew (2016), Irma (2017), and Ian (2022).
For his part, Ashida Tatsuya, the resident representative of JICA, explained that the agency has an emergency mechanism in place to respond swiftly to disasters, ensuring that supplies reach those most affected efficiently.
"We will continue working to contribute to the well-being of those affected and to the sustainable development of Cuba," he assured.
Hurricane Rafael struck western Cuba on November 5, with winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, affecting the provinces of Artemisa, Mayabeque, and Havana, causing damage to agriculture, homes, hospital infrastructure, and the electrical system.
Before Hurricane Oscar and then two earthquakes affected the eastern region of the country, leaving the island in a social crisis exacerbated by the collapse of the national electric power system.
Dozens of countries have sent humanitarian aid, and for over a month, many families in Guantánamo have been living in tents after losing their homes.
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