Commercial ship to deliver additional U.S. assistance to Cuba within weeks

The U.S. Department of State announced the first direct humanitarian shipments to Cuba from a $3 million disaster assistance package committed after Hurricane Melissa. A U.S.-supported flight will leave from Florida, a second flight is scheduled for January 16, and a commercial vessel will follow within weeks, carrying food, hygiene kits, and other essential items. The statement says the U.S. will take measures to prevent diversion of supplies and is partnering with the Catholic Church in Cuba to distribute aid. A fact sheet with further details is linked in the announcement.