For the first time, the United Nations System (SNU) in Cuba activated a collective Anticipatory Action framework, together with the Office of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), with the purpose of facilitate the response to the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
The initiative seeks to reduce risks, serve the most vulnerable populations and shorten assistance times.
As part of the implementation of the mechanism, the transportation of food, hygiene kits, agricultural tools and essential equipment towards the areas of eastern Cuba, where the most serious effects are concentrated.
The FAO mobilized to Santiago de Cuba 500 kg of seeds, more than 14 thousand tiles for farms, 15 irrigation systems, materials for cultivation houses and 72 tons of animal feed, along with tool kits, chainsaws and supplies for fishing.
These actions are part of the framework of anticipatory measures for hurricanes in the country.
In Development…
Already in Santiago de Cuba:
500 Kg of seeds
+ 14 thousand m2 of tiles
15 irrigation systems
Inputs for cultivation housesVia @FAOCuba
@UN_Cuba #OnTheLand supporting food security, one of the prioritized sectors #AnticipatoryAction.@UNOCHA @UNCERF pic.twitter.com/NxuEOxCvwq
— UN in Cuba (@ONU_Cuba) October 28, 2025
United Nations System and support for the impact of Hurricane Melissa
PAHO/WHO reported that In the next few hours, a load of 2.6 tons of medical supplies valued at more than 53 thousand USD will arrive.which includes emergency kits, electric generators, water tanks, tents and water purification tablets.
The World Food Program (WFP) completed the transfer of 697 metric tons of rice, grains and oil to eastern Cuba, to assist more than 181 thousand people in protection centers in Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo and Holguín.
In addition, it keeps non-food items and technical logistics support available.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has 4 thousand tarps, 7 electric generators, chainsaws, tools and 2 thousand mattresses for immediate care of affected homes.
@FAOCuba and @UNOCHA they review #AnticipatoryActions that are implemented together with @MinagCuba and @minalcuba against the impact of #HurricaneMelissa in Eastern Cuba@UNOCHA recognizes capabilities demonstrated by FAO in responses to previous hurricanes. @UNCERF @UNOCHA_Americas pic.twitter.com/y63ZlKJiaC
— FAO Cuba (@FAOCuba) October 28, 2025
For its part, UNICEF has provided 1,300 hygiene kits for 6,500 people in protection centersand maintains two water treatment plants ready for transfer, along with collapsible tanks, electric generators and more than 4 thousand domestic tanks to guarantee access to water.
In the educational sector, more than 21 thousand children and adolescents will benefit from school rehabilitation materials, tents for temporary classrooms, and recreation and learning kits.
UNFPA, in coordination with the Maternal and Child Care Program, redirects sexual and reproductive health supplies to the eastern provinces, including thousands of intrauterine devices, implants and contraceptives, as well as resources for hygiene and dignity kits.
The general coordination of the SNU in Cuba and OCHA closely monitors the evolution of Hurricane Melissa and keeps rapid response mechanisms ready if necessary.
Two OCHA specialists are already in the country supporting the implementation of these operations.
