Cuba asks for help from the US

Cuba

The Cuban government has made a rare request for emergency aid to the administration of US President Joe Biden after Hurricane Ian left the island of 11 million without power.

Hurricane Ian ravaged the island nation on Tuesday – causing power outages across the country, leveling homes and destroying crops.

Cubans staged anti-government protests over the blackout, which heightened concerns about shortages of food, fuel and medicine.

Washington estimates that if the US administration offers aid, Cuban authorities will prioritize hospitals, water pumping facilities, sewers and other key infrastructure, citing a review of email communications.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, nor did the Cuban embassy in Washington.

Biden has promised to work with Cuba again after years of tension between Havana and Washington.

Otherwise, Cuba’s crackdown on mass protests last July resulted in sanctions against Cuban officials.