Venezuela sends fourth shipment of humanitarian aid to Cuba following the passage of Hurricane Melissa

The government of Venezuela announced the shipment of the fourth load of humanitarian aid intended for the eastern areas of Cuba affected by the hurricane Melissa, thereby reinforcing the bilateral cooperation between both countries during times of emergency.

According to official information, this new shipment is part of the humanitarian bridge activated by Caracas in recent weeks, through which more than 12,000 tons of supplies have already been transported to the island.

Among the materials sent are food, medicine, toys, windows, and resources for the immediate repair of homes damaged by the cyclone.

A political gesture amid the crisis

The Venezuelan regime emphasized that the aid represents an “act of solidarity with the Cuban people,” while the governments of both countries highlight the narrative of “sister nations” in the face of natural disasters and economic hardships.

Hurricane Melissa caused severe damage in provinces in eastern Cuba, where thousands of families are still affected by the loss of roofs, deterioration of homes, and disruptions to basic services.

With this fourth shipment, Venezuela reaffirms its role as Havana's main political ally in the region, in a context marked by internal crises in both countries and increasing international pressure.

While Caracas sends tons of food, medicine, and reconstruction materials to the island following Hurricane Melissa, Washington is ramping up its military and operational presence in the region, intercepting vessels, conducting flyovers, and bolstering actions against networks linked to drug trafficking. The contrast is clear: the rhetoric of "solidarity among peoples" from chavismo unfolds amidst a delicate diplomatic and military moment.

The Palace of Miraflores senses the tightening grip. This Wednesday, the United States seized a sanctioned tanker off the coast of Venezuela that was heading to Cuba, and carried out operations that Washington describes as part of a strategy to curb drug trafficking and directly pressure the dictator Nicolás Maduro.