The Cuban government filed a rare request for emergency assistance to the administration of US President Joe Biden after Hurricane Ian knocked out electricity to the entire island of 11 million people, the Wall reported Friday. Street Journal.
CUBA AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IAN, LEAVES 1 MILLION RESIDENTS WITHOUT ENERGY AND THE STREETS FLOODED
Hurricane Ian swept across the island nation on Tuesday, causing blackouts across the country, flattening homes and destroying agricultural fields. Cubans have staged protests against the government over the loss of energy, which has increased concerns over the continuing shortage of food, fuel and medicine.
A family dines during a blackout in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Havana, Cuba on September 28, 2022.
(REUTERS / Alexandre Meneghini)
Washington estimated that Cuban authorities would prioritize hospitals, water pumping plants, toilets and other critical infrastructure if the Biden administration were to provide aid, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a review of email communications. .
HURRICANE IAN: 20 CUBAN MIGRANTS MISSING OFF THE FLORIDA COAST AFTER THE BOAT SINK IN THE STORM
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, nor did the Cuban embassy in Washington.
Hurricane Ian plunged all of Cuba into darkness after cutting down the island’s electricity grid. Electricity was gradually returning on September 29, but many homes remain without electricity.
(Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)
Biden vowed to re-engage with Cuba after years of tensions between Havana and Washington. But Cuba’s repression following widespread protests on the island last July led instead to sanctions against Cuban officials.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Cuban government blamed the protests for US interference.
