Norway has pledged a generous sum of $400,000 to support the recovery efforts in Guantánamo, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Oscar. The announcement, made by the Norwegian embassy in Cuba, details that this assistance will be funneled through the United Nations' "Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)" and the "Disaster Relief Emergency Fund" of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The embassy emphasized that "these resources will be allocated to meet the most urgent needs." This donation is part of a broader set of initiatives, including contributions from international bodies and Cuban communities both abroad and within the island. Officials have highlighted the critical need for international cooperation to address the hurricane's severe impact, which has resulted in eight fatalities and left numerous families in dire circumstances, according to official figures.
The humanitarian project "Breath of Life" recently dispatched over 500 pounds of donations to Guantánamo, consisting of clothes, shoes, linens, towels, food, and hygiene products to aid the victims of Hurricane Oscar. Meanwhile, the "Huellas" initiative also announced the shipment of 300 boxes of supplies to assist those affected in the region.
International Aid Efforts Amplify
In addition, a shipment of 1,498 kilograms of medical supplies arrived in Cuba last Friday, as part of UNICEF's efforts to bolster healthcare services in the most impacted areas by the hurricane. The international organization's report states that this initial donation aims to enhance medical care for approximately 140,000 people, including pregnant women, children, and teenagers in Cuba's easternmost province.
On Monday, tents were delivered to Baracoa to provide shelter for displaced families. Furthermore, the United Nations (UN) has announced its goal to raise $33 million to mitigate the damage inflicted by Hurricane Oscar.