According to the Japanese embassy in Havana, Tokyo will contribute with one million dollars through the World Food Programme (WFP) and intends to coordinate with Cuban authorities to ensure the swift recovery of the affected areas.

Given the humanitarian perspective and the close ties between the two countries, the Japanese government is offering this emergency aid to support the Cuban people affected by this natural disaster, the embassy stated.

Melissa struck eastern Cuba on October 29 as a Category 3 hurricane, causing severe damage to infrastructure and agriculture, although preventative and rescue efforts prevented any loss of life.

In early November, the Japanese government delivered emergency relief supplies to Cuba, including water purifiers, blankets, tents, and sleeping mats, valued at 28 million Japanese yen (approximately US$182,000).

The shipment arrived on November 18 in the eastern province of Granma, facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

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