On August 5, the crude oil depot in Cuba's Matanzas Bay was struck by lightning, causing a big fire. Besides severe material damage, the fire killed 2 people and injured 132 people, of which 19 are still hospitalized.

These days, the country and people of Cuba are struggling to cope with countless difficulties and challenges as they continue to be tightly surrounded and embargoed in the post-Covid-19 pandemic, especially the unexpected oil tank fire incident in an industrial area near Matanzas.

(Photo: Nhan Dan Online)

Based on the special solidarity relationship between the two Parties, the two States and the people of Vietnam and Cuba, and the tradition of the Vietnamese nation to help others in need, as well as many positive results achieved in supporting the Cuban people to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic, the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association has recently issued a letter calling for mobilization to support the Cuban people.

“We earnestly call on departments, ministries, unions, agencies, units, enterprises, entrepreneurs; provinces, cities, organizations, individuals, sponsors, and volunteers; those who love the country of Cuba join hands to support Vietnam’s brother who is "ready to give their blood for Vietnam. We commit to comply with the regulations of the State; to guarantee the publicity, transparency, proper and effective use of all contributions, and financial and material support of the community and the whole society”, written in the letter by Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association.

On August 15, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Phuong Nga visited the Cuban Ambassador to Hanoi Orlando Hernández Guillé, and handed over 1,000 euros. This amount is a contribution of VUFO officials and employees to the Cuban people to share and partially support the damage caused by the fire at Matanzas port in recent days.

VUFO President Nguyen Phuong Nga sent his condolences to the families of the victims and expressed her grief at the incalculable human and material damage caused by the fire on the land of our dear Cuba.

It is noted that Vietnam is continuing to call on donations and aid to unite the Caribbean island. VUFO President Nga also affirmed that the Vietnamese people will always stand by and support Cuba no matter what the difficulties.

President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Phuong Nga gave an amount of 1,000 Euros to support the Cuban people. (Photo: Thoi Dai)

Upon receiving news of the oil depot fire in the industrial zone of Matanzas province in western Cuba, a campaign to support the Cuban people was quickly launched in Vietnam.

In just one week of launching, the "Support Cuba" call by the Club of Vietnamese Alumni in Cuba and the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association has raised about VND 924,000,000 (equivalent to more than USD 39,000).

Vu Trung My, a member of the Club, said that the numbers do not fully express the affection, respect, admiration, and sympathy that Vietnamese people have for the Cuban people.

He added that a former student of the second generation who graduated from Cuba, despite being treated at the hospital, not only donated money but also mobilized his friends to join in supporting the Cuban people to overcome the current difficulties.

There is the case of a student who decided to spend only VND 50,000 (just over $2) he had to help the Cuban people.

On social networks, the message "Support Cuba" is spread daily. My considered this gesture an example of sincere affection and solidarity between the two peoples.

Elderly journalist Vu Van Au, head of the first Vietnam News Agency in Cuba, also a Vietnamese alumnus studying in Cuba, donated VND 100,000,000. (Photo: Thoi Dai)

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