Overview of the briefing held by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on November 5 on the response to and recovery from Hurricane Oscar. — VNA/VNS Photo

NEW YORK — Ambassador Đặng Hoàng Giang, Permanent Representative of Việt Nam to the United Nations, has expressed sympathy to Cuba over the immense losses and damage caused by Hurricane Oscar.

He affirmed Việt Nam's solidarity and friendship with the Government and people of Cuba in their recovery from the disaster and overcoming economic difficulties.

Addressing a briefing held by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on November 5 on the response to and recovery from Hurricane Oscar, as well as the UN's response plan, Giang said that through bilateral channels, Việt Nam has provided Cuba with 10,000 tonnes of rice.

Việt Nam is ready to do its utmost to support the Cuban Government and people in overcoming the current challenges, the diplomat said.

Stressing that Cuba has a long-standing tradition of humanitarian support, as a country that always responds quickly, timely and actively in giving assistance to other countries when they are in need, Giang said that it is now the turn for the international community to help Cuba overcome its current difficulties.

According to the UN Resident Coordinator in Cuba Francisco Pichón, Hurricane Oscar, which struck on October 20, killed eight people, destroyed over 10,000 houses and severely damaged infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, impacting the lives of nearly 500,000 people in Cuba's Guantanamo province. The hurricane hit the country at a time when Cuba was already facing significant socio-economic challenges and a nationwide power outage.

The UN has developed a response plan that aims to raise US$33 million to provide assistance to those in need, Pichón said, calling on the international community to lend a helping hand to Cuba. — VNA/VNS