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The government of Belarus delivered a shipment of more than 20 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba this weekend, containing medical supplies and food for the victims of the Hurricanes Oscar and Rafael, as well as the earthquakes that occurred in November 2024, according to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba.
“We thank the Government and people of Belarus for their support and for the charitable shipment (…) for those affected by the hurricanes and the earthquake that devastated the country last autumn,” wrote the Chancellor Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla on his account on the social network X.
Natural disasters on a collapsed economy
During October and November 2024, the island was struck by a combination of disasters that worsened its already precarious economic situation, recalled EFE.
The Hurricane Oscar struck the province of Guantánamo with force, featuring winds exceeding 130 km/h, while weeks later, the Hurricane Rafael, transformed into a Category 3 cyclone, swept through the province of Artemisa, impacting over 800,000 people in that region and its surroundings, including Mayabeque, Havana, and the Isle of Youth.
These weather events were complemented by two earthquakes of magnitudes 6.0 and 6.8 that shook the eastern part of the country on November 17, particularly affecting Granma and Santiago de Cuba, causing structural damages, disruptions in communications, and a nationwide blackout due to the disconnection of the electrical system.
Accumulated damages and structural crisis
According to official figures cited by the agency, climatic and seismic events left more than 34,000 homes damaged, impacted 37,000 hectares of agricultural production, as well as severe damage to electricity, water, and telecommunications services.
These impacts compounded the severe economic crisis that the island has been experiencing for over five years, characterized by shortages of basic goods, prolonged blackouts, uncontrolled inflation, a growing informal dollarization, and an unprecedented migratory exodus.
Wave of international solidarity
The aid from Belarus adds to the numerous donations received by Cuba in recent months from international organizations, allied countries, and non-governmental organizations, in an effort to alleviate the social and material consequences left by the recent natural disasters in a country already devastated by the (poor and arbitrary) government decisions.
The country's structural crisis goes beyond the immediate emergency, with no light at the end of the tunnel in sight. Recovery will depend on deep reforms in economic and infrastructure areas—something the communist regime does not plan to undertake—along with support from the international community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Humanitarian Aid to Cuba After Natural Disasters in 2024
What kind of humanitarian aid has Cuba received from Belarus?
Belarus has donated over 20 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba, which includes medical supplies and food intended for the victims of hurricanes Oscar and Rafael, as well as the earthquakes that occurred in November 2024.
What were the major natural disasters that impacted Cuba in 2024?
Cuba suffered the impact of two hurricanes, Óscar and Rafael, as well as two earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.0 and 6.8. The hurricane Óscar primarily affected the province of Guantánamo, while Rafael struck the province of Artemisa, causing significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services.
How has the international community responded to the disasters in Cuba?
The international community has responded with a wave of humanitarian aid that includes donations from countries such as Mexico, Japan, Russia, Venezuela, Norway, the European Union, and organizations like the Red Cross. This assistance has focused on food, medicine, medical supplies, and energy resources to alleviate the most urgent needs of the Cuban people.
What is the current situation of the economic crisis in Cuba following these natural disasters?
The economic crisis in Cuba has worsened following natural disasters, adding to pre-existing issues such as shortages of basic goods, prolonged blackouts, uncontrolled inflation, and a growing informal dollarization. The recovery of the island will depend on deep reforms and continued support from the international community.
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