Cuba faces a third day without power as restoration efforts fail amidst Hurricane Oscar’s approach, marking the third blackout since Friday. The outages hinder essential services such as water and food preservation, prompting public discontent and protests. Officials cite various factors exacerbating the crisis, including U.S. sanctions and aging infrastructure.
Millions of Cubans are enduring a third consecutive day without electricity due to the failure of restoration efforts after the island experienced multiple widespread blackouts. The Cuban Electrical Union recently reported that approximately 16% of the population had their power restored before the aging energy infrastructure failed again late Saturday evening. This situation marks the third extensive collapse of the country’s energy grid since Friday, resulting in virtually all of the 10 million residents facing significant disruptions in power service. Compounding the crisis, Hurricane Oscar is set to make landfall in eastern Cuba later today, bringing with it strong winds and hazardous surf conditions, according to forecaster predictions. Earlier, Hurricane Oscar had made its landfall over Inagua Island in The Bahamas, with sustained winds reaching 80 mph as per the National Hurricane Center’s update. The initial blackout occurred on Friday following a malfunction at one of Cuba’s major power plants. Although some power was restored to certain sectors, a subsequent nationwide blackout ensued on Saturday morning, exacerbating the already dire situation. The continuous outages have potential repercussions on essential services, including water supply and food preservation, critically dependent on stable power. In response to the ongoing crisis, residents of Havana are engaged in long queues, some waiting hours to purchase bread, reflecting the societal impact of the blackouts, as the scarcity of food leads to disputes among those waiting. Furthermore, many individuals have taken to social media platforms such as WhatsApp to share information about which neighborhoods have access to electricity. Despite the challenges facing the general populace, tourists still roam the streets of Havana in vintage vehicles, albeit many local hotels are experiencing fuel shortages for their backup generators. Reports indicate that the airport in Havana operates under emergency power, severely limiting its capacity to issue tickets and provide essential services to travelers. Public discontent is evident, with small protests reported overnight. Officials attribute the energy crisis to a mix of factors including increasing economic sanctions from the United States, recent hurricane disruptions, and the deteriorating state of the country’s infrastructure. In a televised address, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated that to prevent a total power outage, much of the nation’s production activities had been halted. Health Minister José Angel Portal Miranda confirmed that health facilities are relying on generators to maintain essential services during this crisis.
The situation in Cuba regarding its electrical infrastructure and energy supply has historically been fragile, often exacerbated by outdated facilities and external pressures, such as economic sanctions. The recent escalation in power outages comes just as the country faces severe weather conditions, with Hurricane Oscar approaching. The continued failure of the electrical grid not only affects household lighting but also threatens essential services like water supply and healthcare, which are heavily reliant on power. During times of crisis, the Cuban government often faces scrutiny regarding its management of resources and the well-being of its citizens amidst the limitations imposed by international relations and economic conditions.
In summary, the people of Cuba are grappling with prolonged power outages compounded by the impending threat of Hurricane Oscar. The country is experiencing significant difficulties as recovery efforts stall, leading to societal unrest and questions about the management of essential services. The interplay of natural disasters and systemic infrastructural problems continues to pose a challenge for the government and its citizens alike. The situation underscores the urgent need for improvements in Cuba’s energy infrastructure to avert future crises.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
