CARACAS, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela sent 12 tons of materials and equipment to Cuba on Thursday as humanitarian aid after the passage of tropical storm Alberto.

Venezuela's Minister of the Interior, Justice and Peace, Nestor Reverol, supervised the shipment which left the Simon Bolivar International Airport bound for Cuba.

"This is a tangible expression of moral, ethical and spiritual support, of the solidarity which characterizes our brotherly people, to keep demonstrating our commitment to Cuba," he told the press.

The Cuban ambassador to Venezuela, Rogelio Polanco, expressed his gratitude for the humanitarian aid, calling it a gesture of "brotherhood and solidarity," which the Cubans will receive "with great satisfaction."

"This aid is arriving ... to those who most need it, at a time when we need this help," said Polanco.

During a visit by Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel to Venezuela on Wednesday, President Nicolas Maduro ordered steps to be taken to help the Cuban people deal with the aftermath of the storm.

Tropical storm Alberto has killed at least four people so far and lambasted the Cuban provinces of Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus and Villa Clara. Thousands have been evacuated while homes, crops and bridges have been severely damaged.