US Announces $24 Million in Aid for Caribbean Nations Devastated by Hurricane Melissa

Washington, November 5, 2025 The United States has pledged $24 million in emergency relief for Caribbean nations severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm that struck last week, leaving widespread destruction and at least 50 people dead. According to the U.S. State Department, the aid package includes $12 million for Jamaica, $8.5 million for Haiti, $500,000 for the Bahamas, and $3 million for Cuba. Teams from the department have been deployed to assess the damage, provide immediate assistance, and determine where additional support is needed. A senior State Department official said that further aid announcements are expected soon, particularly for Jamaica and Haiti, where the storm caused extensive damage to homes, roads, and essential infrastructure. For Cuba, the $3 million aid package is being distributed with the help of the Catholic Church, following Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s declaration of humanitarian need for the country. Despite tense political relations, the U.S. said its focus is on helping the Cuban people directly, not the government. “Regardless of what the Cuban regime says, we care about the Cuban people,” the official said, noting that Havana has not interfered with the delivery of assistance so far. Hurricane Melissa, which tore through the region last week, is considered the most destructive storm to hit the Caribbean since the Trump administration restructured the U.S. disaster response system earlier this year. With the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) dismantled, disaster management is now overseen by the State Department. The department has deployed Disaster Assistance Response Teams and Urban Search and Rescue specialists to several affected countries, including Jamaica, to support relief operations and help reconnect communities cut off by the storm. Hurricane Melissa left a trail of destruction across multiple islands, flattening homes, flooding cities, and disrupting power and communication lines. The storm’s impact was especially severe in coastal areas, where strong winds and heavy rains triggered landslides and forced thousands to flee their homes. The U.S. government said the emergency aid will be used to provide food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to affected populations, with priority given to the most vulnerable communities. As recovery efforts continue, Washington reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Caribbean nations in rebuilding stronger and improving disaster preparedness for future storms. America Steps Up: $24 Million Lifeline for Hurricane-Hit Caribbean When disaster struck the Caribbean, the U.S. answered fast. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating rampage, Washington has pledged $24 million in emergency relief for Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas, and Cuba. The Category 5 storm left behind wrecked homes, flooded towns, and more than 50 lives lost — making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in recent years. Under the new relief plan, Jamaica will receive $12 million, Haiti $8.5 million, the Bahamas $500,000, and Cuba $3 million — the latter delivered with help from the Catholic Church. U.S. Disaster Response Teams are already on the ground, helping reconnect isolated communities and deliver urgent aid. Officials say more support is on the way, focusing on rebuilding and humanitarian relief. Despite political tensions, the U.S. emphasized that its mission is about people, not politics — especially in Cuba, where Washington insists on direct assistance to citizens. As the Caribbean struggles to recover, this U.S. aid package aims to bring hope, help, and a reminder that in times of crisis, borders blur — and humanity comes first.