A shipment of 24 tons of humanitarian aid from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) arrived by air in Havana on Monday, intended for those affected by the devastating impact of Hurricane Rafael in western Cuba last November.
The donation includes rechargeable lamps, hygiene products, kitchen items, and water purification tablets, according to a report from Cuban television.
Luis Calero, head of operations at the Cuban Red Cross, explained that this aid will benefit around 2,000 families affected in the municipalities of Artemisa province, the area hardest hit by the storm.
Additionally, he mentioned that other shipments will soon arrive by sea, bringing containers with water tanks, mattresses, and mosquito nets to assist in the recovery of those affected.
The television report also indicated that the International Red Cross's aid for those affected by natural disasters in Cuba this year is estimated at 100 tons of resources.
The impact of Hurricane Rafael
Hurricane Rafael, classified as a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, made landfall in Cuba on November 6, coming ashore on the southern coast of Artemisa and exiting through the northern area of the same province, where the most significant damage occurred. However, there were also reported impacts in Havana and Mayabeque.
The impact of the hurricane was accompanied by a nationwide blackout and caused significant damage to state infrastructures in health, education, housing, and essential services such as water supply.
In Artemisa, approximately 37,000 hectares of agricultural production have been affected.
Previous: Hurricane Oscar
In mid-November, another shipment arrived containing 24 tons of humanitarian aid sent by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to assist communities affected by the impact of Hurricane Óscar in eastern Cuba.
The donation included solar lamps, plastic tarps, kitchen items, and hygiene products, among other basic supplies.
Hurricane Óscar, the first to make landfall directly on Cuban territory in the current Atlantic hurricane season, struck on October 20 as a Category 1 near the city of Baracoa, in northern Guantánamo.
In less than 25 hours, it weakened to a tropical storm before moving out to sea near a point close to Gibara, in the province of Holguín.
Its impact resulted in eight fatalities, two missing persons, and severe damage to more than 12,000 homes, as well as to agriculture, electricity services, communications, and water supply, among other affected sectors.
So far, Cuba has received donations from international organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union, as well as from governments including those of Spain, Venezuela, and Russia, along with solidarity groups from the United States, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions about Humanitarian Aid and the Impact of Hurricane Rafael in Cuba
What type of humanitarian aid has Cuba received after Hurricane Rafael?
Cuba has received 24 tons of humanitarian aid from the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent, which includes family hygiene kits, mosquito nets, solar lamps, and water purification tablets. This aid is intended to support the families most affected in the municipalities of Artemisa Province. More shipments are also expected to arrive, containing water tanks, mattresses, and mosquito nets.
What were the main damages caused by Hurricane Rafael in Artemisa?
Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, caused severe damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services in Artemisa. Flooding, crop destruction, and power grid failures were reported. Hospitals, schools, and many residences were particularly affected, leading to widespread blackouts in the region.
How has the Cuban government responded to the energy crisis caused by Hurricane Rafael?
The Cuban government has reported the recovery of six downed high-voltage towers; however, over 40% of the Artemisa province remains without electricity. The response includes efforts by electrical brigades to restore the system, but the situation remains critical due to a lack of stable generation and aging electrical infrastructure.
Which other nations have provided aid to Cuba following hurricanes Rafael and Óscar?
Several countries have sent humanitarian aid to Cuba, including Japan, Brazil, Venezuela, Spain, and Russia. The donations include water purifiers, food, and equipment for the electrical system. The UN and the European Union have also contributed with medicines and medical supplies, highlighting Cuba's reliance on international solidarity to address these crises.
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