disruption of radio broadcasts. Aftermath Ships carrying tons of frozen chicken legs and corn arrived in Havana's harbor on December 16, to aid in the recovery of Cuba from Hurricane Michelle. The shipments are part of a one-time $30 million purchase of U.S. food by the Cuban government to assist in the country's present food shortage. The Cuban government refused an initial U.S. offer of humanitarian assistance, but accepted a proposal to purchase the goods instead. Although the United States has maintained an economic embargo on Cuba for decades, U.S. law does allow shipments of food and medicine to the communist-controlled island. But until now the Cuban government has refused to buy American food because of the restrictions, including a ban on direct U.S. financing of food sales. Other aid from the international community is helping Cuba survive Michelle's aftermath. Cuba was promised $600,000 in aid from Chinese leader Li Peng, who was visiting when the hurricane struck. Venezuela also sent humanitarian assistance. Retirement Because of its effects, the name Michelle was retired in the spring of 2002 and will never again be used for an Atlantic hurricane. The name was replaced with Melissa in the 2007 season. See also Tropical cyclones in 2001 List of wettest tropical cyclones in Cuba List of Cuba hurricanes List of Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes 1932 Cuba hurricane – Late-season Category 5 which became one of the deadliest hurricanes in recorded history after striking Cuba Hurricane Fox (1952) – A destructive Category 4 hurricane which had a similar track and strength, also affecting the same areas as Michelle Hurricane Kate (1985) – Another late-season major hurricane that caused extensive damage to areas of Cuba after making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane Hurricane Paloma (2008) – Powerful November major hurricane which caused significant damage to portions of Cuba, worsening the effects of several other hurricanes that affected the country Notes References External links NHC Michelle Report Michelle News Reports Michelle Michelle Michelle Michelle Michelle Michelle