Cuba is experiencing its third day of widespread power outages, affecting millions of residents due to failures in the country’s aging energy grid. Recovery efforts are hindered by Hurricane Oscar’s approach, with severe implications for food storage and water supply. Citizens have been actively sharing information about power availability and managing resources in response to the crisis. Protests have emerged amidst growing frustration, as officials attribute the situation to U.S. sanctions and infrastructure challenges, prompting a government focus on power generation alternatives.
Millions of people in Cuba are experiencing their third consecutive day without electricity following failed efforts to restore power. According to the Cuban Electrical Union, approximately 16% of the nation had power reinstated before the aging energy grid became overloaded late Saturday evening. This incident represents the third total collapse of Cuba’s electricity network since Friday, leading to widespread power outages for the majority of the ten million residents of the island. Complications in recovery efforts are expected due to Hurricane Oscar’s impending arrival on eastern Cuba, which authorities have warned will bring powerful winds and rough surf. Hurricane Oscar initially made landfall on Inagua Island in The Bahamas, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 80 mph as per the National Hurricane Center’s early Sunday update. It is anticipated to reach Cuba’s northeastern coast later today as a hurricane. Although a weakening is predicted after landfall, Oscar may retain tropical storm status when moving north of Cuba by late Monday and subsequently across the central Bahamas on Tuesday. The country’s initial widespread blackout occurred on Friday after a critical power plant malfunctioned. Shortly after asserting that power restoration was underway, Cuba encountered a second national blackout early Saturday. The continuation of these blackouts poses a significant threat to the nation, exacerbating an already critical situation around food preservation and water supply that relies heavily on consistent power availability. In Havana, residents have been observed queuing for hours in search of bread as supplies dwindle, leading to disputes among those waiting in line. Amidst the crises, many citizens have utilized WhatsApp to relay information about areas with available electricity, while others have collaborated to store essential medications in refrigerators, where power was temporarily accessible. Despite these challenges, tourists continue to navigate the capital in classic 1950s cars, although many hotels have depleted the fuel for their backup generators. Reports indicated that José Martí International Airport operated on emergency power, with reports of disrupted services. Protests were witnessed overnight, with videos circulating that demonstrate citizen discontent in various areas of the capital. Officials have attributed the ongoing energy dilemma to a combination of factors, including stringent U.S. economic sanctions, damage from recent hurricanes, and the deteriorating state of the country’s infrastructure. Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated in a television broadcast, which was plagued by technical glitches, that the government has been diverting substantial amounts of economic activity toward power generation to avoid a complete outage. Concurrently, Health Minister José Angel Portal Miranda confirmed that health facilities are operating on generators, allowing them to maintain essential services despite the crisis.
The article discusses the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba, primarily focusing on the significant power outages affecting millions of residents. This situation is exacerbated by Hurricane Oscar, which threatens to land in northeastern Cuba, complicating recovery efforts. Historical context is essential to understand the crisis; Cuba has been facing persistent issues with its aging power infrastructure, compounded by economic sanctions and recent natural disasters. The article outlines the implications of these blackouts on daily life, including access to food, water, and health services, highlighting the social unrest and governmental responses amid the crisis. It underscores how dependent the nation is on consistent electricity supply, revealing the broader systemic issues within Cuba’s economy and infrastructure management.
In summary, Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis has resulted in extended power outages for millions, disrupted by the recent arrival of Hurricane Oscar. The failures of the electrical grid, linked to deteriorating infrastructure and external sanctions, pose severe challenges for the populace in maintaining basic necessities such as food and water. Additionally, this scenario has sparked protests and highlighted the urgent need for governmental solutions to address both immediate and long-term energy sustainability. The response from authorities demonstrates a commitment to prioritize power generation, yet ongoing challenges remain apparent in ensuring the stability of services essential for everyday life.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
