UNDP Donates Over Four Thousand Tarpaulins for Affected Families

A donation of 4,375 tarpaulins for temporary roof coverage, managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has arrived in this city as part of the United Nations System’s response in Cuba to the emergency caused by Hurricane Melissa in the eastern region of the country.

Coordinated Humanitarian Response
According to Fidel Rodríguez Fernández, Communications Analyst for UNDP in Cuba, the assistance is part of a coordinated strategy between the UN System, Civil Defense, and local authorities. It is supported by the Central Emergency Response Fund and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Rodríguez noted that this shipment provides a temporary solution to protect families from rain while repair and reconstruction efforts on damaged homes are underway.

He added that although the donation will primarily benefit the province of Santiago de Cuba, additional support actions are planned for other eastern provinces in the coming weeks.

Longstanding Cooperation and Local Gratitude
Rodríguez also recalled that UNDP recently contributed in Granma Province by delivering electric generators, chainsaws, toolkits, and roofing sheets.

He emphasized that UNDP’s cooperation with Cuba spans more than 50 years, encompassing programs in climate resilience, productive transformation, effective governance, and the promotion of local food systems that strengthen autonomy and sustainable territorial development.

Mayra Pérez González, Delegate of the Chamber of Commerce in Santiago de Cuba and member of the Provincial Defense Council’s Foreign Trade Subgroup, expressed gratitude for this show of international solidarity.

“The people of Santiago de Cuba and of the entire country deeply appreciate this assistance during such a difficult time following Hurricane Melissa. This donation is vital for rebuilding damaged homes and demonstrates the love and support that people around the world feel for Cuba,” she stated.

The official added that this humanitarian cooperation reinforces bonds of friendship and collaboration among nations and acknowledged the joint efforts of UNDP, Civil Defense, and local authorities to ensure the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid.