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Cáritas Cuba announced its willingness to channel the aid intended for the victims of Hurricane Melissa, as reported by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba (COCC) in a message disseminated by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba.
The statement describes the situation in the eastern part of the country as “a disaster of enormous proportions,” with one million people affected to varying degrees.
The bishops report that "many families have completely lost their homes; others have lost their roofs, mattresses, and appliances," while in numerous towns "all the telephone or electric poles are on the ground," and there are mountainous areas "that look devastated, as if dried out by the wind."
The message also reports damage at the National Sanctuary of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, the patroness of Cuba, where broken stained glass, damaged windows, and deterioration of the exterior paint were reported.
Other temples and religious houses lost their roofs or were flooded by the waters, they added.
In their statement, the bishops give thanks to God that no human losses have been reported and acknowledge the gesture of those who welcomed the evacuees in “institutions, temples, and family homes,” as a display of Christian solidarity.
They also called for the collaboration of Caritas and sister churches, as well as Cubans both inside and outside the country, and all people of goodwill who can contribute resources.
"The country needs everything: food, clothing, mattresses, household items, roofs… to assist many brothers and sisters, especially the elderly who are alone and those experiencing this moment with sadness and discouragement," the text emphasizes.
The National Caritas of Cuba, the bishops assert, is fully prepared to channel any assistance that may come from within the country or abroad.
The message also expresses gratitude to Pope León XIV, who in his weekly audience requested prayers for Cuba and Jamaica, and to the bishops of Honduras, who sent words of support and solidarity.
The prelates conclude by entrusting the future of the nation "to the Lord of History and His Mother, the Virgin of Charity," convinced that "the grace and kindness of God do not abandon us."
This initiative by Cáritas could become one of the channels used by the United States Government to deliver direct humanitarian aid to the Cuban people, following the announcement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who offered immediate assistance “without intermediaries from the regime” after the hurricane.
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