Havana, September 26 (RHC)-- Cuba has offered assistance to Puerto Rico in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane María. Cuban authorities are awaiting the response of authorities of the sister Caribbean island, a U.S. territory since 1898.

Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Rogelio Sierra said the country has pledged to send a field hospital and 39 doctors to contribute to recovery efforts in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló said the island faces a humanitarian crisis, and described the situation as catastrophic. Hurricane María claimed at least 16 lives in Puerto Rico, and caused millions worth of damage to communications, infrastructure, power and water supply, amongst other basic services.