Foreign aid Switzerland supports the Caribbean with one million francs after hurricane
In view of the severe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is providing over one million francs in aid. The money will be used to help the affected populations in Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica.
31.10.2025, 17:32
31.10.2025, 17:33
SDA
In addition, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is sending nine experts to Cuba, as announced on Friday. The latter are to support the Cuban Red Cross in its relief efforts on the ground. Among them are six specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) and one expert from the Swiss Red Cross.
According to the FDFA, there are also two water specialists who are already in Latin America. Water treatment materials will also be delivered to Cuba as part of this operation, it added. In Jamaica, Switzerland will contribute financially to an appeal for help from the International Federation of Red Cross Societies.
In Haiti, thousands of people have been able to flee to shelters built with Swiss support. The warning systems that have been set up with the local authorities in recent years have worked.
Hurricane "Melissa" is considered one of the strongest tropical storms ever recorded over the Atlantic. The hurricane caused severe flooding in the past few days and caused major destruction to infrastructure. Thousands of families were displaced. According to the FDFA, access to clean drinking water, electricity and basic services remains severely restricted.
In Jamaica, at least 19 people lost their lives last Tuesday. In Haiti, at least 30 people died according to the latest information from the authorities. In Cuba and the Bahamas, property damage has so far been reported.
