US Pledges $3M Aid Through Church After Hurricane Melissa Hits Cuba, Bahamas

The United States has pledged $3 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba to assist those affected by Hurricane Melissa, with the funds being distributed directly through the Catholic Church to avoid involvement of the Cuban government. This approach, confirmed by the Cuban Conference of Catholic Bishops, seeks to ensure aid reaches the hardest-hit eastern provinces without state interference, as the Cuban government has historically preferred to control aid distribution. The U.S. State Department emphasized coordination with the Church and expressed prayers for the Cuban people, while Cuba's government has not commented on this direct aid plan. In addition to Cuba, the U.S. has mobilized significant support for The Bahamas, including government and private sector resources, disaster response teams, and evacuation efforts to aid recovery after the hurricane. The U.S. has also deployed specialized teams and aircraft to assist with relief coordination and damage assessment across the Caribbean, demonstrating a broad regional response to the hurricane's impact. These efforts highlight the U.S. commitment to providing humanitarian assistance in the Caribbean while navigating complex political and logistical challenges.