Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has sent a message to countries currently being ravaged by Hurricane Beryl, assuring them that "Cuba stands ready to help with whatever you need." "All our solidarity with our Caribbean brothers who are suffering from the powerful Hurricane Beryl. Count on Cuba for whatever you need," said the president, without specifying what kind of assistance a crisis-stricken nation like Cuba could offer.
He added that the regime has been in contact with its medical brigades in several affected nations and that all the "collaborators" are safe and many are already continuing to provide services. However, the message remains unclear on how Cuba, the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean, could aid its neighbors in crisis.
Without milk for children, food for the population, a shortage of basic medications, a collapsed healthcare system reliant on donations (rice, oil, medicines, medical supplies) to secure the basic food basket, and unable to guarantee even electricity in homes, the island is in a deep crisis.
Meanwhile, thousands of doctors are sent to other countries to work in semi-slavery conditions while the island charges high fees for their services. These services are not free. Currently, Cuban authorities are closely monitoring Beryl, which has caused significant devastation in Grenada, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia, among other islands in the Lesser Antilles.
The system has reached category five over the eastern Caribbean, becoming the first maximum-intensity hurricane of the season. A report by Canal Caribe indicates that Beryl continues to move rapidly over the southern Caribbean Sea under atmospheric conditions that have allowed it to gain more organization and intensity.
Impact and Response to Hurricane Beryl
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the impact of Hurricane Beryl and the response from Cuba and other affected nations.
What kind of assistance has Cuba offered to the countries affected by Hurricane Beryl?
Cuban leader Díaz-Canel has expressed solidarity and has mentioned that medical brigades are already working in the affected countries. However, specifics on other forms of assistance remain unclear.
How has Hurricane Beryl impacted the Caribbean region?
Hurricane Beryl has caused significant devastation in various islands, including Grenada, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia. It has reached category five, making it the first maximum-intensity hurricane of the season.
What are the current conditions in Cuba amidst its own crisis?
Cuba is experiencing a severe crisis, with shortages of basic necessities like food and medicine, a collapsed healthcare system, and frequent power outages. Despite these challenges, Cuba has offered to help other nations affected by Hurricane Beryl.