The Pan American Health Organization has mobilized a comprehensive Caribbean relief operation following destruction from Hurricane Melissa, delivering more than 2.6 tons of medical equipment to Cuba while readying 5.5 tons of aid for Jamaica pending full airport resumption.
Eastern Cuba absorbed a Category 3 impact early on Tuesday when winds reached 205 kilometers per hour, producing severe flooding and power failures across multiple provinces. Nine emergency health kits departed from Panama, containing medicines and surgical materials sufficient for 5,000 individuals across three months, plus chlorine tablets capable of purifying eight million liters of water. Dr. Mario Cruz Penate, representing PAHO in Cuba, stressed that rapid cooperation protects population health during emergencies.
Jamaica experienced the most devastating damage and awaits 5.5 tons of supplies once Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston achieves complete operational status. The incoming shipment provides emergency kits serving 10,000 people, trauma surgery materials for 50 patients, 50 medical backpacks, field shelters, water containers, 300 mosquito nets and protective gear including gloves and N95 masks. These resources will restore critical health services while reducing waterborne and mosquito-transmitted disease risks that typically escalate after major storms due to standing water accumulation.
Eastern Cuba absorbed a Category 3 impact early on Tuesday when winds reached 205 kilometers per hour, producing severe flooding and power failures across multiple provinces. Nine emergency health kits departed from Panama, containing medicines and surgical materials sufficient for 5,000 individuals across three months, plus chlorine tablets capable of purifying eight million liters of water. Dr. Mario Cruz Penate, representing PAHO in Cuba, stressed that rapid cooperation protects population health during emergencies.
Jamaica experienced the most devastating damage and awaits 5.5 tons of supplies once Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston achieves complete operational status. The incoming shipment provides emergency kits serving 10,000 people, trauma surgery materials for 50 patients, 50 medical backpacks, field shelters, water containers, 300 mosquito nets and protective gear including gloves and N95 masks. These resources will restore critical health services while reducing waterborne and mosquito-transmitted disease risks that typically escalate after major storms due to standing water accumulation.
