Millions of Cubans are experiencing a third day without power as Hurricane Oscar nears the island, following failures in electricity restoration efforts linked to the nation’s fragile energy grid. The situation is critical, with shortages threatening water supply and food preservation, amidst rising unrest among residents.
As Hurricane Oscar approaches, millions of Cubans have been left without power for three consecutive days, following unsuccessful attempts to restore electricity overnight. The Cuban Electrical Union reported that approximately 16% of the nation had experienced power restoration before the aged energy infrastructure faltered again late Saturday. Authorities have not communicated when power service would be fully reestablished. This represents the third comprehensive failure of Cuba’s energy grid since Friday, leaving the majority of the nation’s 10 million residents without access to electricity during this period. The situation is further exacerbated by the impending landfall of Hurricane Oscar in eastern Cuba, expected to bring severe winds and turbulent seas. The National Hurricane Center indicated that the hurricane, which made its initial impact on Inagua Island in The Bahamas with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, is forecast to reach Cuba’s northeastern coastline later today. While some weakening is anticipated after landfall, Oscar may still be classified as a tropical storm after moving north of Cuba late Monday and traversing central Bahamas on Tuesday. Cuba’s first widespread blackout occurred on Friday after a malfunction in one of the country’s major power plants, as per statements from the energy ministry. Following claims of gradual power restoration, a second nationwide blackout ensued on Saturday morning. This series of power outages poses significant threats to the nation, particularly concerning water supply and food preservation, both of which rely heavily on stable electricity. Residents of Havana, facing the challenges posed by these blackouts, have resorted to sharing information through WhatsApp regarding which regions presently have power. In instances of localized electrical access, individuals organized to store medications in the refrigerators of those fortunate enough to temporarily regain power or those utilizing generators. In the capital city, residents queued for extended periods to procure a limited supply of bread, leading to disagreements over timely service in the lines. Amidst widespread concern, citizens expressed their anxiety regarding the absence of traditional allies such as Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico, who have historically supplied critical energy resources to Cuba. Despite the ongoing crisis, tourists continued to traverse Havana’s streets in iconic vintage cars, although many hotel generators have since run out of fuel. Reports indicated that Havana’s José Martí International Airport was functioning on emergency power alone, with printers inoperative and air conditioning absent in the terminal. Observers noted two minor protests occurring late Saturday into Sunday, with videos of additional demonstrations circulating from various locations in the capital. Officials attribute the energy crisis to a convergence of factors, including increased U.S. economic sanctions, infrastructural deterioration, and disruptions resulting from recent hurricanes. In a televised address laden with technical issues, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz conveyed that much of the nation’s limited production capacities had been halted to conserve power for the populace. Health Minister José Angel Portal Miranda confirmed that health facilities were reliant on generators and that medical staff continued to deliver essential services.
Cuba’s energy grid has been facing significant challenges, particularly due to aging infrastructure and external economic pressures, including U.S. sanctions. The situation has been compounded by recent hurricanes that have interrupted power generation, leading to repeated and widespread blackouts. The country’s reliance on oil imports from allies has also posed additional threats to its energy stability. As the Cuban government struggles to manage power supplies, the ongoing health and safety of its citizens remains at risk, particularly in terms of medical services and food safety as access to electricity is crucial.
In conclusion, Cuba is currently enduring extensive power outages as Hurricane Oscar approaches, significantly affecting the daily lives of millions of its citizens. The repeated failures of the energy grid, along with recent natural disasters and external pressures, highlight a deeply rooted crisis in the nation’s infrastructure. Without timely restoration of power, the situation may escalate further, worsening the challenges faced by residents in maintaining basic health and safety standards.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
