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A ship from the Colombian Navy arrived this Wednesday at the port of Guillermón Moncada with 240 tons of humanitarian aid intended for the eastern provinces of Cuba affected by the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
The vessel, identified as ARC Victoria, transported vital supplies such as food, hygiene kits, drinking water, gasoline, and oil.
The arrival of the ship signifies a gesture of solidarity from the Colombian people towards Cuban communities that continue to face a lack of basic resources, prolonged power outages, and severe damage to homes and infrastructure.
According to local reports, the Revolutionary Navy forces and the Port Services of Santiago de Cuba coordinated the unloading operation to ensure a quick and safe reception of the cargo.
In addition, a protocol ceremony is being prepared to recognize the international support provided by Colombia.
"A gesture of solidarity and international cooperation for eastern Cuba," announced Cuba's Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, on social media, confirming the arrival of the ship.
The arrival of the ARC Victoria follows its departure from Cartagena, under the command of frigate captain María Ángela Fuentes, with a crew of 65 individuals tasked with delivering humanitarian assistance to the Cuban authorities.
The Colombian mission includes 54 tons of dry cargo —food kits, toiletries, tents, and UHT milk— as well as 56,000 gallons of diesel, gasoline, and drinking water, intended to meet the basic needs of families affected by the natural disaster.
During the departure ceremony in Cartagena, the director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), Carlos Carrillo; the ambassador of Cuba to Colombia, Javier Caamaño Cairo; and Rear Admiral Carlos Hernando Oramas, commander of the Caribbean Naval Force, participated.
"The Caribbean is not alone. This is an inter-institutional effort by the Government of Change, where the entire National Risk Management System works together. In this way, Colombia reaffirms its commitment and solidarity with the peoples of the Caribbean," declared Carlos Carrillo.
This shipment is in addition to the first shipment of 22 tons of humanitarian aid that Colombia sent to Cuba and Jamaica at the end of October, as an immediate response to the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. At that time, more than a thousand food and hygiene kits were sent, along with sheets and tarps.
The hurricane Melissa left a trail of destruction in eastern Cuba, where thousands of families remain without electricity or drinking water, and where international efforts for aid continue to be focused.
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