The Cuban government in a rare petition is asking the Biden administration for US aid to deal with the damage of Hurricane Ian, which pummeled the island nation earlier this week, according to The Wall Street Journal.The outlet obtained communications between the two governments detailing Cuba's request for emergency assistance in the aftermath of Ian's rampage.The storm was also responsible for three deaths on the island in addition to massive structural damage, according to The Associated Press.A State Department spokesperson told Insider: "The U.S. continues to communicate with the Government of Cuba regarding the evolving humanitarian and environmental consequences of both Hurricane Ian and the August 5 fire in Mantanzas, and we are evaluating ways in which we can continue to support the Cuban people, consistent with U.S. laws and regulations."Former President Donald Trump stoked further animosity between the nations in 2017 when his administration reversed parts of an Obama-era deal that had eased travel and commercial restrictions within the country and once more in 2021 when the US designated Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism."