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Cáritas Santiago de Cuba distributed food and hygiene items to families affected by Hurricane Melissa, which struck eastern Cuba at the end of October.
The assistance was organized through parish structures and coordinated by the Diocesan Office of Caritas.
The information was published on the official Facebook page of the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba, where it was detailed that the action was part of an immediate response to the emergency.
“The pre-positioning of resources allowed us to provide assistance with food and hygiene starting on the 28th,” explained the statement signed by Ana María Piñol Navarrete, director of Diocesan Caritas.
According to the report, a total of 4,492 food rations, 50 kilograms of detergent, and more than 400 bars of soap were distributed through the network of dining halls and parish services.
Additionally, the Parish of El Cobre, located in an area severely struck by the hurricane, increased its service to 1,300 daily rations, supported by 29 Mission Houses.
The text highlighted that Cáritas's prior preparation before the start of the cyclone season, known as "prepositioning," allowed for the continued operation of services in remote areas like Gran Piedra, where assistance was provided to families isolated due to landslides and heavy rainfall.
The Archdiocese reported that the aid also included donations from international organizations and projects.
Among them were Katapulk, which benefited 250 families; World Central Kitchen, which sent over 1,000 food modules and 350 "queen" pots; and Mandao, whose donation was directed to the Sant’Egidio community to assist people experiencing homelessness.
“Let us give thanks to God for the gift of faith and for so many brothers who from different places make their help a reality for those in need,” Piñol stated in the message, where he expressed gratitude for the support of Archbishop Monsignor Dionisio García Ibáñez, who advised on expanding services in the most affected parishes.
While the Cuban regime continues its slow and bureaucratic response in the eastern provinces, the Catholic Church is strengthening its humanitarian presence in the affected areas through coordinated actions among Caritas, parish communities, and volunteers.
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