On Wednesday, Venezuela dispatched over 300 tons of aid to Cuba, demonstrating solidarity in the wake of destruction caused by Hurricanes Oscar and Rafael. These storms recently ravaged both the eastern and western parts of the island within a short span. Speaking from the port of La Guaira in Venezuela, Foreign Minister Yván Gil highlighted that this initiative was a directive from President Nicolás Maduro.
Gil mentioned that the supplies were gathered by the Venezuelan people as a "message of solidarity" for Cuba. The shipment includes construction materials and essential items aimed at alleviating the crisis the hurricanes have inflicted. He emphasized that the principles of brotherhood and solidarity continue to bind Venezuela and Cuba, noting their partnership in the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People's Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).
"Cuba has always shown solidarity, and today the Venezuelan people reciprocate," the foreign minister stated in a video posted on his Instagram account.
Rafael's Devastation in Cuba
Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, made landfall in the province of Artemisa at 4:20 PM local time, bringing winds up to 115 mph and rainfall reaching 200 millimeters. The Cuban Meteorological Institute (INSMET) reported "severe damage" in the western provinces of Artemisa, Mayabeque, and Havana, as declared by Miguel Díaz-Canel during a session of the National Defense Council.
Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero confirmed in a televised address that there were "significant damages" to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture. Additionally, the hurricane caused a nationwide blackout, the second "zero national energy coverage" event in less than two weeks, exacerbating the ongoing challenges due to interrupted repairs. Díaz-Canel announced plans to visit the hardest-hit areas to oversee recovery efforts, marking the beginning of a new phase of rebuilding.
Meanwhile, Marrero remained hopeful, concluding his broadcast with a message of resilience: "Rest assured, we will recover and move forward. ¡Hasta la victoria siempre!" However, more than four million Cubans have been affected by Rafael, and the full extent of its impact is expected to become clearer by Thursday.
This hurricane marks the second to strike the island this year. The previous storm, Oscar, resulted in eight fatalities, damaged at least 12,000 homes, and affected 13,000 hectares of crops.