After Hurricane Melissa passed through the Caribbean, the mobilization of humanitarian aid The effort has accelerated, with a particularly strong European and Spanish presence. The shipments include shelter materials, water and sanitation supplies, as well as medical assistance for the hardest-hit areas of Jamaica, Haiti, and eastern Cuba, where damage to infrastructure and basic services is severe.
In this context, the European Union and Spain They have activated operations on the ground and by air to address urgent needs, while specialized teams assess health risks and logistical requirements. This is a coordinated effort with international agencies and local organizations to ensure that aid arrives quickly and effectively.
European air bridge from Panama
The EU maintains a emergency air bridge with departures from the Regional Logistics Center for Humanitarian Assistance (CLRAH), on the outskirts of Panama City. The operation anticipates the transfer of 125 tonnes of essential supplies, with an approximate value of 500.000 Euros, in addition to the activation of strategic reserves and support from several Member States.
In the first phase, two flights departed on November 6 towards Jamaica (50 t) y Haiti (31 t) with shelter materials, water purification supplies, sanitation kits, and basic medication. In addition, two other shipments to Cuba scheduled for November 15th and 16th, with 22 tonnes on every flight, in support of deployed humanitarian partners.
The European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Directorate (ECHO) emphasizes that the response is guided by principles of impartiality, neutrality and independenceand that close coordination with local authorities and stakeholders is key to prioritizing the most urgent issues.
Spain activates AECID and the START team
Spain has launched its response through the AECIDcoordinated with the European Civil Protection Mechanism and the PAHO. Following a request from the Jamaican authorities, the START medical team in EMT-2 mode (with surgical capacity) to attend to hundreds of patients a day, with NHS healthcare personnel and logistical support from several autonomous communities.
Furthermore, the shipment of 36 tonnes humanitarian aid, valued at €144.000, including tools and basic equipment for more than 11.000 people. In parallel, the AECID has mobilized 500.000 Euros for assistance in Cuba (shelter, health and water) with the aim of reaching some 100.000 people.
The Spanish financial commitment is complemented by multilateral contributions: funds have been mobilized to Central Emergency Fund (CERF) an allocation of $8 million for the response in Haiti and Cuba, with a Spanish contribution of 4,5 millones de euros in 2025. Spain also supports the DREF Fund from the IFRC, which has allocated 80.000 Swiss francs to the Jamaican Red Cross; the Spanish contribution in 2025 amounts to 3 millones de euros.
- START (EMT-2): field hospital with surgical capacity in Jamaica.
- 36 t supplies from Torrejón de Ardoz for immediate support.
- 500.000 € emergency for Cuba, with a focus on shelter, water and health.
- Multilateral reinforcement via DEER y DREF for operations in the Caribbean.
Support from the United States, Japan, and European partners
The United States has announced 3 million Aid for eastern Cuba will be channeled through the coordination of the Catholic Church to reach the most affected families directly. In addition, Washington maintains response teams in various parts of the Caribbean to support humanitarian operations.
Japan has delivered water purifiers, blankets, tents and sleeping mats destined for the victims in Cuba, while countries like Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, and Germany They contribute with shelters, sanitation equipment, protective gear, and field hospitals. Support has also been added from [unclear - possibly "other countries" or similar]. Colombia, Dominican Republic and India.
Needs on the ground and health assessment
In Cuba, a mission of MdM It is deployed from November 10 to December 10 to assess the impact on the health network and the epidemiological risks in Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, Guantánamo and Las TunasThe hurricane left more than 45.000 homes damaged or destroyed, 120.000 evacuees y 240 communities temporarily cut off from communication.
The rains exceeded 400 mm In some areas, this has caused flooding and power and water outages. The assessment will include a multi-sectoral report and a logical framework for potential intervention. hygiene kits and medical supplies, in coordination with local authorities and international partners.
The UN and its agencies have activated support mechanismsMeanwhile, Spain and other EU member states are strengthening logistics to accelerate the flow of supplies. The immediate priority is to restore basic services, protect public health, and ensure access to clean water.
Regional damage assessment
The Caribbean records more than sixty dead and extensive material damage, especially in Jamaica and Haiti. In Cuba, although no fatalities have been reported thanks to preventive evacuations of more than 700.000 peopleThe damage to infrastructure, crops, communications and the electrical grid is considerable.
The combination of strong winds and torrential rainfall has caused landslides. massive power outages and agricultural losses, with sustained impacts on roads and public services. Cleanup, repair, and aid distribution operations continue against the clock.
With the European air bridge operationalWith the deployment of the Spanish medical team, additional EU funding, and support from the United States, Japan, and other partners, the humanitarian response is progressing to meet critical needs while consolidating coordination on the ground and preparing new shipments if the situation requires it.