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The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched an emergency appeal to raise 15 million Swiss francs—equivalent to 18 million US dollars—aimed at assisting 100,000 people affected by the hurricane Melissa and an arbovirus outbreak impacting Cuba.
The operation will focus on immediate life-saving assistance, early recovery, and strengthening long-term resilience.
The ICRC specified that this humanitarian operation will last for two years and will provide support to families through shelter kits, mattresses, solar lamps, and cooking utensils.
It is also contemplated to promote the rehabilitation of housing and reconstruction using safe and sustainable building techniques.
The Federation warned that the health emergency due to the arbovirus outbreak—including dengue, chikungunya, and oropouche—has worsened following the floods, which is why epidemiological surveillance, the distribution of drinking water and hygiene supplies, and the restoration of essential health services through mobile and auxiliary units will be prioritized.
In addition, measures for environmental health will be implemented, such as cleaning water systems, waste disposal, and vector control.
Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the FICR, highlighted the magnitude of the devastation: "It will take people months, perhaps years, to rebuild their lives. This emergency appeal is essential to raise the necessary funds to help the Cuban people."
Considered one of the most powerful hurricanes recorded in Cuba, Melissa made landfall in the southeast of the country on October 28, leaving communities flooded in eight eastern provinces.
Many of these areas had not yet recovered from previous hurricanes, such as Oscar in 2024, and now they are once again facing the destruction of homes, loss of belongings, and heightened health risks.
Carlos Pérez Díaz, executive president of the Cuban Red Cross, explained that volunteers worked even before the storm hit, participating in preventive evacuations, awareness campaigns, and psychosocial support, as well as assisting people trapped by rising rivers.
"They have rescued people trapped and continue providing vital assistance to those who have lost everything. Now we will focus on delivering essential items, ensuring access to medical care and psychosocial support," he stated.
Before the hurricane, the Cuban Red Cross positioned 1,000 family aid kits in secure warehouses across the eastern provinces, ready for rapid distribution.
The kits contain hygiene products, blankets, and kitchen utensils, designed for evacuated families and affected households.
Loyce Pace, regional director of the ICRC for the Americas, emphasized that the operation is based on decades of collaboration with the Cuban Red Cross, supporting communities affected by hurricanes such as Ian, Sandy, Oscar, and now Melissa.
The ICRC emphasized that the aid aims to address immediate needs and prevent the spread of diseases, but it also seeks to rebuild homes resiliently and enhance the communities' capacity to face future disasters.
Meanwhile, hundreds of communities remain flooded and many families have lost their homes, belongings, and means of livelihood, highlighting the vulnerability of the population to natural disasters and the state's inadequate management.
In its statement on Facebook, the IFRC emphasized that Hurricane Melissa has devastated eastern Cuba with torrential rains, massive flooding, and winds of up to 295 km/h.
"Meanwhile, an outbreak of arbovirus is exacerbating health risks. Donate now to help the Cuban Red Cross provide vital assistance," he urged.
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