India's Humanitarian Response: Jamaica and Cuba Express Gratitude for Critical Support After Hurricane Melissa

Cuba and Jamaica have publicly expressed their gratitude to India for providing critical support in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa's devastating impact on the Caribbean region.

Both nations have acknowledged India's timely provision of medical assistance, equipment, and humanitarian supplies following the catastrophic storm that caused widespread destruction and increasing fatalities.

The Cuban Ambassador to India shared appreciation on social platform X for the aid reaching affected areas: "Our sincere gratitude to @MEAIndia, Air Force, Government and the people of #India for the noble and solidarity gesture of donating medical supplies and equipment, and two BHISHM hospitals, to help people affected by Hurricane Melissa in the eastern provinces of #Cuba."

India's Embassy in Havana provided further details about the humanitarian shipment, emphasizing the philosophy behind India's assistance: "A special aircraft from IN carrying HADR assistance arrived this evening in CU following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Guided by the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family. India stands in solidarity with the people of Cuba, reaffirming bonds of friendship and humanitarian cooperation."

The embassy noted the relief package included "Approx 20 tonnes of relief materials including a special BHISHM Medical Trauma Unit, other essential medicines, electricity generators, tents, bedding, kitchen & hygiene kits, solar lanterns and other essential items to aid recovery efforts."

Jamaica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade similarly expressed appreciation on X, highlighting how India's support would accelerate their recovery initiatives: "Jamaica, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has received humanitarian relief support from the Government of India to accelerate recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa."

Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith offered a detailed message of thanks to India and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, connecting this assistance to India's broader approach to international partnership: "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam was more than the theme of India's G20 Presidency. It is a world view that supports a most intentional approach to South South Cooperation. One which always keeps people at the forefront of engagement, together with building resilience."

Smith specifically mentioned the comprehensive nature of India's support: "Solar lamps, generators, medical supplies, including the BSHM modular trauma kit, remote-controlled delivery mechanisms for flooded areas and gender sensitive hygiene kits are just some of the items included. We also welcomed the Indian medical team here for the next few days to train our teams in the use of the new equipment and technology. We always remember #VaccineMaitri and will also remember this support as well."

In response, Jaishankar stated: "Deeply appreciate your warm sentiments FM @kaminajsmith. India stands in solidarity with the people of Jamaica in these testing times, as it has done before."

The Indian Embassy in Kingston detailed the assistance package: "A consignment of appx. 20 tonnes of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials from the Government of India arrived in Kingston aboard a C-17 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 6 November 2025. The relief materials include special BHISHM Medical Trauma Unit, generators, tents, bedding & mats, kitchen kits, solar lanterns, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies to support post-hurricane recovery."

Hurricane Melissa has been identified as one of the strongest Atlantic storms to impact the region in over 150 years, leaving Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti facing severe flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, according to CNN reporting.

The UN Development Program estimates that western Jamaica alone has generated nearly five million metric tonnes of debris, equivalent to approximately 500,000 truckloads. Early assessments indicate that losses may approach almost 30 percent of Jamaica's GDP.

Throughout the affected region, the hurricane has resulted in dozens of casualties, with authorities in Haiti and Jamaica reporting a combined death toll of approximately 75 people, according to UN News.