Venezuela sends second ship with aid to Cuba after Hurricane Melissa

Published at: 10/11/2025 11:09 PM

This Monday, November 10, the Bolivarian Government sent a second ship with 2,531 tons of humanitarian aid to support Cuba in recovering from the severe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in the east of the country, according to the Telesur website.

From the international port of La Guaira, the Cuban ambassador to Venezuela, Jorge Luis Mayo, stressed that the aid is the result of the historic ties of solidarity that unite Havana and Caracas.

“Even in the midst of threats, even in the midst of the siege of the Bolivarian Revolution, despite so many sanctions, what emerges from this people, what emerges is really affection, solidarity, love for the Cuban people,” he said.

Venezuela's vice-foreign minister for the Caribbean, Raúl LiCausi, stated that the ship transports food, mattresses and electrical supplies, while reaffirming the bilateral commitment.

“At a time when there is a climate threat, a threat resulting from climate change, a military threat, a threat of permanent economic sanctions and coercive measures against our countries, it is essential to strengthen unity,” he said.

This shipment brings the total amount of assistance channeled through the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America - Peoples' Trade Agreement (ALBA-TCP) to more than 5,000 tons.

Previously, the regional integration organization had already managed the dispatch of two ships and a plane with resources for the Caribbean nation, reaffirming the ties of solidarity and mutual support between its member countries.

In addition to material support, a team of 22 Venezuelan professionals, including linemen and road specialists, is already in Cuba to collaborate in the restoration of power lines and other critical infrastructures.

The passage of Hurricane Melissa through eastern Cuba affected more than 93,000 homes and forced the preventive evacuation of 750,000 people, in order to protect the population and avoid human losses.

The impact on social infrastructure was significant, with damage reported in more than 1,500 schools and 400 health centers.

In addition, the agricultural sector suffered a severe blow due to the onslaught of the meteorological phenomenon, with 28,000 cattle affected and the destruction of 80,000 hectares of crops.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly thanked the Government of Venezuela for sending more than 5,000 tons of humanitarian aid.

The president highlighted the “solid brotherhood between Cuba and Venezuela” and sent a “big hug to President Nicolás Maduro”.