On Wednesday, over 16,000 rechargeable lamps were delivered to Cuba as part of the United Nations' relief efforts for families in the eastern part of the island who are struggling to access basic electricity services following Hurricane Melissa.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Cuba, along with the UN System in Cuba, announced via social media that this latest shipment consists of 16,020 rechargeable lamps aimed at restoring essential living conditions for affected households.
According to their announcement, these lamps are part of a larger batch of approximately 24,830 units procured to aid the impacted population. An earlier shipment of 8,590 lamps had already arrived and is currently being distributed.
The funding for this initiative comes from diverse international cooperation sources, including the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), facilitated through the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Contributions also came from the European Union's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS).
Challenges in Energy Access Post-Melissa
UNDP itself has acknowledged that "access to critical energy services remains one of the major challenges for the Cuban population," a situation made more dire for those who lost homes or suffered other damages due to Hurricane Melissa. Striking eastern Cuba on October 29, 2025, as a Category 3 storm, Melissa brought sustained winds of 195 km/h, heavy rains, and flooding.
The agency is collaborating with Cuban institutions and international partners to provide "basic energy coverage" to vulnerable individuals whose situations have worsened due to the hurricane damage combined with the country's ongoing energy crisis.
Proactive Measures by UNDP
This initiative is part of the energy sector response coordinated by UNDP, the lead agency of the United Nations System in Cuba. This isn't the first time the organization has provided such aid following Melissa.
Even before the hurricane's impact, UNDP had mobilized essential resources to Cuba to prepare for the response in the eastern provinces, including materials for housing and critical services.
Following the storm, UNDP installed electric generators and solar power systems in various communities in Granma, including Guamo Viejo, Grito de Yara, Vado del Yeso, and Cauto Embarcadero. These installations enabled basic communication and lighting capabilities in areas affected by both Melissa and the ongoing energy crisis.
Continued Relief Efforts
Days later, a UNDP aircraft arrived in Santiago de Cuba carrying 4,375 tarps intended to temporarily protect homes damaged by the hurricane. This operation was part of a United Nations action plan valued at $74.2 million aimed at assisting one million people in eastern Cuba.
By mid-November, UNDP had mobilized over $2.2 million for recovery efforts post-Melissa. This aid included thousands of roofing sheets and tarps, mattresses, tools, chainsaws, and electric generators earmarked for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo.
FAQs on UNDP's Aid to Cuba Post-Hurricane Melissa
What is the purpose of the rechargeable lamps sent to Cuba?
The rechargeable lamps are intended to help restore basic living conditions in households affected by Hurricane Melissa, particularly those struggling with access to electricity.
Who funded the aid provided to Cuba?
The aid was funded by multiple sources, including the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the European Union's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), and the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS).
How has UNDP been involved in Cuba's recovery efforts post-Melissa?
UNDP has been actively involved in providing resources and installing energy solutions such as generators and solar power systems to assist communities affected by the hurricane and the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba.