On Tuesday, the Japanese government delivered a shipment of humanitarian aid at Havana's José Martí International Airport aimed at assisting those impacted by Hurricane Rafael in the province of Artemisa. This relief package includes essential items such as water purifiers, sleeping pads, blankets, and tents, generously supplied by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the affected communities, according to the state-run Prensa Latina.
During the reception ceremony, Nakamura Kazuhito, the ambassador of Japan, emphasized the solidarity between Japan and Cuba in facing the challenges posed by natural disasters. He stated, "Japan and Cuba together confront the adversities brought by these phenomena. This support aims to enhance, even slightly, the living conditions of those in dire need," he highlighted.
Japan's Ongoing Humanitarian Efforts
Kazuhito reminded attendees that this donation is part of a continuum of Japanese aid efforts, following similar contributions after Hurricanes Matthew in 2016, Irma in 2017, and Ian in 2022.
Meanwhile, Ashida Tatsuya, JICA's resident representative, explained that the agency has an emergency mechanism designed to respond swiftly to disasters, ensuring that aid reaches the most affected efficiently. "We will continue our efforts to contribute to the well-being of those impacted and support Cuba's sustainable development," he affirmed.
Devastation in Western Cuba
Hurricane Rafael struck western Cuba on November 5, with winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, impacting the provinces of Artemisa, Mayabeque, and Havana. The storm caused significant damage to agriculture, housing, hospital infrastructure, and the electrical system.
Earlier, Hurricane Oscar and subsequent earthquakes had already battered the eastern region of the island, worsening the social crisis due to the collapse of the national power grid. Numerous countries have sent humanitarian aid, and for over a month now, dozens of families in Guantánamo have been living in tents after losing their homes.